Clashes Resume in Sweida as Druze Militias and Syrian Forces Trade Ceasefire Breach Claims

Fresh Fighting Eases in Sweida but Risks of Escalation Remain

A fresh round of clashes between Druze armed groups and Syrian government forces in the southern province of Sweida eased on Friday but renewed fears of a wider escalation.

The violence on Thursday prompted mutual accusations that each side had violated a ceasefire that had earlier ended several days of intense fighting in July. Local reports said people on both sides were wounded; no deaths were immediately confirmed.

The National Guard: The de facto military authority in Sweida said government forces attacked the town of al‑Majdal on Thursday "using heavy and medium weapons and attack drones in an aggressive attempt to break our defence lines and strike vital sites." The statement added that National Guard forces "repelled the attack, inflicting heavy losses on the attacking forces in terms of equipment and personnel."

Damascus reaction: The government in Damascus denied those claims, accusing Sweida factions of initiating the violations. Mustafa al‑Bakour, the Damascus‑appointed governor of Sweida, said "some factions and the so‑called National Guard" launched "attacks on de‑escalation points," describing such moves as "a clear violation of international agreements" that hinder rebuilding and the safe return of residents to their villages.

Local analysis: Saber Abou Ras, a political analyst based in Sweida city, described Thursday's clashes as "very intense and violent," involving drones, anti‑aircraft machine guns and mortar fire. He said Israeli warplanes were heard over Sweida, although it was unclear whether any strikes took place.

Abou Ras suggested government forces carried out what he called a "retaliatory attack" after the police chief of a local governmental body in Sweida and a "large group of officers" seized a checkpoint previously under Syrian government security control in the province's northern countryside.

Speaking in London at an event hosted by the Chatham House think tank, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al‑Shibani acknowledged "mistakes made by all sides," saying the situation should be treated as "an internal Syrian wound" rather than a confrontation between separate parties.

Background: July fighting and its aftermath

Sweida was the scene of deadly clashes in July that began with fighting between Druze groups and local Bedouin tribes after a series of reciprocal kidnappings. The violence escalated when government security forces intervened — reportedly siding with Bedouin factions — and hundreds of civilians, mostly Druze, were killed. Israel later carried out strikes against Syrian government targets, and a U.S.‑brokered ceasefire led to a withdrawal of government forces from the province.

Since then, Druze groups have organized a de facto military and administrative structure in Sweida, similar in form to other local autonomous arrangements in Syria, and have largely refused formal engagement with Damascus. Tens of thousands remain displaced following the July fighting, including Druze internally displaced within Sweida and Bedouin families evacuated to other areas.

Current situation: While the latest clashes subsided, the cycle of accusations highlights the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the potential for renewed violence. Humanitarian needs remain high, and the political and security status of Sweida is unresolved.

AP's Sewell reported from Beirut.