Syrian authorities announced plans to intervene directly in Suwayda to restore security following deadly clashes between Bedouin tribes and local Druze fighters. The fighting, which erupted over a kidnapping incident, has left at least 37 dead and more than 100 wounded. Damascus is now deploying military reinforcements to the region in a bid to stabilize the situation.

Deadly Clashes Shake Suwayda

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, violence broke out after a Druze youth was kidnapped on the Damascus-Suwayda highway. The ensuing clashes between Bedouin tribes and Druze armed groups spread through Suwayda city and its surroundings. Among the dead are 27 Druze fighters, including two children, and 10 members of Bedouin tribes.

Local reports said over 50 people were wounded, with the casualty toll expected to rise due to critical injuries. The violence marks the worst escalation in Suwayda since Syria’s new government, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, ousted Bashar al-Assad last December.

Damascus Orders Direct Intervention

In response, Syria’s Interior Ministry pledged a "direct intervention" to quell the fighting and restore order in Suwayda. The Ministry of Defense has sent reinforcements to secure the city and prevent further bloodshed. "We will hunt down those responsible and bring them to justice," the Interior Ministry said in a statement, promising to re-establish law and order in the restive province.

The violence has drawn international attention, given Suwayda’s strategic importance and its history as a Druze-majority area. The UN and rights groups are closely monitoring the treatment of minorities amid Syria’s fragile transition period.

Risk of Further Escalation

Tensions remain high, with both sides reportedly preparing for potential renewed confrontations. Druze religious leaders have called for calm, urging all factions to avoid escalation and resolve disputes through dialogue. "Blood is not restored with more bloodshed but with wisdom," Druze leader Sheikh Hammoud al-Hanawi said.

The Syrian government faces growing challenges in reasserting control, with tribal disputes now compounding the broader instability left by years of war and political upheaval.