Description: Syria’s south province of Suweyda was engulfed in sectarian violence when large groups of Druze militants confronted Sunni Bedouin tribal fighters. The clashes began after series of kidnappings which were instigated by the Bedouins with the Druze later retaliating, leaving more than 30 people dead and over a 100 injured. Syrian government forces joined the Bedouin in the armed confrontations while the Druze were supported by Israel, which targeted several tanks and other military equipment pertaining to the Bedouin and Syria’s government forces. The latest clashes emphasize a deadly trend which began in Mar, where members of the Alawite sect were targeted by government – sponsored forces.
Impact: The constant instigation of inter – ethnic and sectarian violence in Syria highlights the country’s fragile state of governance and the lack of institutional control over the country’s varied cultural and ethnic landscape. The clashes also represent proxy confrontations between Syria’s Islamic incumbent government and Israel, which supports the Druze minority and opposes the current Syrian government. Despite the lifting of sanctions and the partial international recognition of Al – Sharaa’s government, Syria still combats severe internal divisions based on political and ethnic polarization which destabilizes the country and undermines the authority and control of the government. The country also currently serves as a geopolitical playing field between Turkey and Israel which are battling over influence in the country with Israel using the Druze as their proxy force, while Turkey continues to support the Syrian government. In case the Syrian government does not invest considerable political efforts in integrating the various ethnic and militant offshoots in the country, similar attacks and armed confrontations would escalate further deteriorating the security situation in the country.