Tense Ceasefire in Southern Syria: Bedouin Militias Threaten Return to Conflict with Druze

 

Tense Ceasefire in Southern Syria: Bedouin Fighters Warn of Possible Return to Conflict with Druze

Bedouin militias positioned on the outskirts of Suweida, a city in southern Syria, told the BBC they have agreed to a temporary ceasefire with the local Druze population but have not ruled out a return to violence if demands are not met.

The fighters, who withdrew from the city following a week of intense and deadly clashes involving Druze forces, Bedouin tribesmen, and Syrian government troops, are now stationed in nearby villages. Their retreat comes amid escalating sectarian violence, with Israeli airstrikes reportedly launched in support of the Druze community.

⚠️ Fragile Calm Overshadowed by Threats of Retaliation

While the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported a "cautious calm" across Suweida on Sunday, the monitor later claimed that tribal Bedouin fighters resumed attacks on surrounding villages.

In the town of al-Mazara'a, once home to a large Druze population before it was captured by Bedouin forces and brought under Syrian government control, smoke could still be seen drifting across the plains from the direction of Suweida.

A makeshift checkpoint near the town featured barricades of soil and debris blocking the main road, guarded by heavily armed government personnel. Their presence aimed to prevent Bedouin fighters from re-entering the city. However, dozens of Bedouin gunmen crowded the blocked route, demanding the release of wounded and captured Bedouin individuals they believed to be in Suweida.

"We have followed the government's instructions and returned to our villages. Suweida is only 35km away," a tribal elder told the BBC.
"But our wounded and hostages remain inside. If the agreement isn't honored, we will break through—even if Suweida becomes our grave."

Origins of Violence

The conflict flared last week following the kidnapping of a Druze merchant on the road to Damascus, reigniting long-standing animosity between the Druze and Bedouin communities.

Interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa responded by deploying government forces to Suweida. Residents described scenes of brutality as government troops and foreign fighters entered the city, committing acts that locals called "barbaric." Israel responded with air strikes, reportedly targeting these forces in defence of the Druze.

Following the withdrawal of Syrian forces, fighting broke out between Druze militias and Bedouin fighters. Over the week, all sides—including government-aligned troops—were accused of war crimes and human rights abuses.

On Saturday, al-Sharaa announced a ceasefire agreement and sent additional government forces to stabilise the city. Druze fighters have since regained control of Suweida.

High Civilian Death Toll and Displacement

The SOHR has reported staggering losses:

• 1,120 people have died in the violence

• Among the dead:

  • 427 Druze fighters

  • 298 Druze civilians—including 194 allegedly executed by Syrian Interior and Defense Ministry personnel

  • 354 government troops

  • 21 Sunni Bedouin, including 3 civilians, were allegedly executed by Druze forces

  • 15 Syrian soldiers killed by Israeli airstrikes

On Sunday, the UN's migration agency confirmed the displacement of at least 128,000 people, the majority of whom were fleeing Suweida. The Syrian Observatory also reported severe shortages of medical supplies in the city.

A humanitarian convoy from the Syrian Red Crescent has reached Suweida, and according to Israeli media, Israel has provided medical assistance to the Druze.

International Response

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on the Syrian government to hold those responsible for atrocities accountable, including individuals within its ranks. He stressed the importance of justice in any future efforts to rebuild a peaceful and united Syria.

Aid and Uncertainty in Bedouin Villages

In Mia'rbah, a village southwest of Suweida, displaced Bedouin families have sought shelter in a former school building. The village still bears the marks of Syria's protracted civil conflict, with damaged homes and bullet-riddled walls.

At aid stations, elderly Bedouin women collected clean water from a tanker. Most of the displaced were women and children, awaiting food and humanitarian supplies.

When asked whether coexistence between Druze and Bedouin is possible in the future, one displaced Bedouin woman replied cautiously:

"Maybe, if the government in Damascus truly takes control—if they provide security and peace."
"Without that, no. We can't trust them. They betrayed us. We can't live with them unless there's real peace."