Days of deadly clashes between tribal groups and local factions in Suwayda have prompted a full-scale intervention by the Syrian government, which says it will not retreat until state authority is fully restored in the embattled province.
The violence, which erupted over a series of mutual kidnappings, has left more than 30 people dead and injured at least 100 others, including women and children, according to the Syrian Ministry of Interior (MOI). Armed confrontations peaked Sunday in the Muqous neighborhood and surrounding areas, followed by a Monday morning attack on army units by what officials described as “outlaw groups.” Eighteen soldiers were reportedly killed and others wounded or captured.
State Pushes to Reassert Control
Responding to what it called a “serious threat to civil peace,” the MOI announced the coordinated deployment of internal security forces and military units throughout Suwayda. In a statement Monday, the ministry emphasized that its mission is to protect civilians, restore stability, and reestablish the rule of law.
“The institutional vacuum allowed chaos to flourish and hindered efforts to de-escalate,” the ministry said, stressing that its forces are acting in a neutral capacity to protect all citizens.
The Ministry of Defense (MOD) reinforced that stance, asserting that the army’s intervention aims to halt bloodshed and disarm armed factions operating outside the law. “There will be no retreat,” said a spokesperson, “We welcome any initiative that consolidates civil peace, but security must be restored under the state’s umbrella.”
Regional and International Stakes Rise
The unrest has drawn regional concern, particularly over possible foreign involvement. Walid Jumblatt, longtime leader of Lebanon’s Druze community, warned against international meddling. “We reject calls for foreign and Israeli protection,” Jumblatt told An-Nahar. “We hope that security and harmony will return to Suwayda through a political solution and under the auspices of the Syrian authority, with which we are in contact.”
His remarks followed a statement from Hikmat al-Hijri calling for “international protection” and from Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, who confirmed strikes on Syrian military targets. “The Israeli army struck targets in Syria as a clear warning to the regime—we will not allow harm to come to the Druze, and Israel will not stand idly by,” Katz said.
International and Local Appeals for Stability
International actors, including the UN and the German Embassy in Damascus, have voiced concern. UN Deputy Special Envoy Najat Rochdi called for immediate steps to protect civilians and prevent further incitement, while stressing the need for inclusive political dialogue.
Locally, Suwayda leaders including Hassan al-Atrash and government officials emphasized that the only viable path forward is through state authority. “The tragic events in Suwayda are a direct result of the institutional and administrative vacuum in the province,” MOD spokesman Hassan Abdulghani said.
The Syrian government maintains that it is not a party to internal conflicts but the guarantor of stability. “We affirm our full commitment to ending the chaos and protecting the safety and dignity of our people in Suwayda,” Abdulghani said. “Its entry has been repeatedly obstructed, but now it is responding to the calls of its people.”
