Clashes erupt in Syria’s Suwayda amid ongoing ceasefire violations: War monitor

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Clashes and sporadic skirmishes broke out across Syria’s southern Suwayda province on Tuesday, signaling renewed ceasefire violations in the Druze-majority region, a prominent war monitor reported.

Druze fighters and forces affiliated with the interim government engaged in gunfire using machine guns on multiple fronts west and northwest of Suwayda city, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), said, adding that “no casualties have been reported.”

Moreover, a drone strike reportedly targeted an ammunition depot near the Druze fighters’ positions west of the city.

Separately, Suwayda24, a local outlet that focuses on the Druze-majority province, reported that clashes had erupted on Monday along Suwayda city’s western axis after pro-government security forces reportedly opened fire on a civilian from the al-Hmaydan tribe working his land alongside other farmers.

"The incident caused material damage to their transport bus and sparked an exchange of heavy gunfire between the two sides," said the outlet.

Late last month, a passenger coach on the Damascus-Suwayda road was fired upon “by unidentified gunmen,” leading to several casualties.

The violence underscores continued tensions in Suwayda, where rival armed factions continue to defy local ceasefire efforts despite repeated calls for restraint.

Clashes between Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes erupted in the southern Syria province in mid-July, escalating with the involvement of Damascus forces and Israel before a ceasefire was announced on July 19.

Since then, Syrian security forces have been deployed across the province, while Druze factions remain in control of Suwayda city.

UN Special Envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen in late July reported that despite the ceasefire, numerous violations have been recorded. He warned that the situation in the Druze majority province remains “tense and volatile.”