Bloody conflict in Suweida: Ten dead in fights between Druze and Bedouins

The situation is also complicated by long-lasting conflicts between the Bedouins and the Drusen, which have existed since the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Before the 2011 civil war, around 700,000 Drusen lived in Syria, which are mainly based in the province of Suweida. This minority accounts for about three percent of the Syrian population and also lives in Lebanon, in Israel and on the Golan heights.

political reactions and security measures

The Syrian interior authority reports that at least 30 people have died in the arguments, while the Syrian observation center for human rights speaks of at least 37 perpetrators, including 27 Drusen and 10 Bedouins. The fatalities also include two Drusian children. In response to the escalation of violence, the Ministry of Defense sent military reinforcements to the border area between Daraa and Suweida. The governor of Suweida, Mustafa al-Bakur, called for the citizens to restraint. In addition, rank-high drusen-prisoners require an intervention by the authorities in Damascus to end violence.

In addition to these current incidents, it is known that in 2020 there had been severe clashes between Drusen and supporters of Islamist groups, in which dozens of people were killed. This shows the persistent concern for the rights and security of the minorities in Syria, which has only intensified in the current situation.

A look at the ethnic diversity and its dangers

experts warn of the threat that the attacks on religious minorities such as Druze, Alawites and Christians represent Syria's ethnic diversity. After the Assad regime falls, massacres and clashes between different religious groups occurred. For example, in March 2025, several family members of an Alawite café operator were killed by Sunni fighters. In this tense situation, there is a lack of a functioning judiciary that could punish crimes and prevent further attacks, which continues to fuel distrust among the ethnic groups.

A recent incident in April 2025, in which a presumably fake sound recording led to demonstrations against Drusen, illustrates the fragile situation. Thousands of Drusian students saw themselves threatened and had to stop their studies. This is shown by the far -reaching social and political effects of the current outbreaks of violence and emphasizes the need for quick action to ensure the stability in the region and to ensure the safety of the minorities.