After the coup of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, conditions have escalated into chaos once more. Ethnic clashes in Sweida province have transformed into intense violence over the past two days. Reports indicate at least 89 fatalities and over 200 injuries. The conflict has expanded beyond local boundaries, attracting international attention due to Israel's military intervention under the guise of protecting the Druze community.
The Israeli military has targeted tanks in Syria. According to the UK-based watchdog 'Observatory for Human Rights,' the deceased in this violent clash include two children, two women, and 14 Syrian security personnel. The Syrian Ministry of Interior, however, reports over 30 fatalities and approximately 100 injuries.
The clash originated at a temporary checkpoint in the Al-Masmiyah area of Sweida. It is alleged that some members of the Bedouin community assaulted a local Druze youth. In retaliation, the Druze took several Bedouin members hostage, which quickly spiraled into widespread violence engulfing the entire area.
Spokesperson for the Syrian Interior Ministry, Nooruddin Al-Bab, stated, "There is no enmity between the state and any community or religious leaders in Sweida. The government is acting solely against criminal gangs that have been terrorizing local residents for months. The Druze community is considered a partner in national unity by the government."
Meanwhile, the Israeli military released a video demonstrating its attacks targeting tanks in southern Syria. This comes after a warning where Israel expressed intentions of military intervention for the Druze community's protection. The Druze are a religious minority with roots considered to trace back to a branch of Shia Islam.
Their population stands at approximately one million, with over half residing in Syria. The remainder are spread across Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and Lebanon. Intriguingly, Druze members serve in the Israeli military, which is why Israel views them as a strategic ally.
Post-Bashar al-Assad's ousting, Syria is witnessing new lines of power struggles. The event in Sweida indicates that ethnic and religious tensions are deepening within the nation. The longstanding friction between the Druze and Bedouin communities has now escalated into armed conflict. External interventions from countries like Israel have further complicated the crisis.
