Fierce clashes broke out overnight in Syria’s eastern Suwayda neighborhood of Al-Muqous between local Druze factions and armed groups from Bedouin tribes, leaving at least seven dead and 20 wounded, including children. The fighting involved heavy gunfire, mortars, and rocket-propelled grenades and caused significant damage to residential buildings.
Medical sources reported that two of the injured are in critical condition, with the toll expected to rise due to ongoing violence. Casualty figures from Bedouin-controlled areas remain unclear.
Escalating Tensions and Civilian Impact
Local sources confirmed civilian casualties on both sides, including women and children, as shelling struck residential homes. Activists alleged that wounded Bedouins were denied hospital access in Suwayda, worsening their conditions.
Factions reportedly exchanged fire throughout the night, with casualties among both civilians and fighters. The violence was reportedly triggered by a car robbery that escalated into mutual kidnappings, further inflaming tensions.
Witnesses said places of worship and homes were damaged, including the Omar ibn Al-Khattab Mosque in a Bedouin-held area. Tensions also spread outside the city, with reports of retaliatory attacks and detentions.
⚡️Syrian sources:
Druze militias stormed the Maqous neighborhood in Suwayda, KILLING two civilians, injuring seven others, and setting fire to residents homes.
The Syrian government has no presence in Suwayda. pic.twitter.com/yQvoIC9qC9
— Warfare Analysis (@warfareanalysis) July 13, 2025
Calls for Restraint
In response, community leaders from the Al-Duwarah family denied involvement in the conflict, urging all sides to turn to legal and religious courts and warning against descent into sectarian strife.
Sheikh Hammoud Al-Hanawi, a senior Druze religious leader, called for an immediate ceasefire, saying the violence serves only the enemies of national unity. He appealed to President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, tribal leaders, and citizens of conscience to help defuse tensions and restore peace.
Suwayda Governor Mustafa Al-Bakkour also issued a statement urging calm and dialogue, condemning the violence, and stressing the state’s role in protecting citizens, restoring order, and holding those responsible to account.
He praised local efforts to prevent further escalation and warned against any attempts to drag the province into chaos, emphasizing the need to safeguard communal harmony.
Source: Al-Manar Website
