More than 300 killed in Sweida clashes since Sunday, says Syrian rights group.
Over 300 Dead, Hundreds Injured in Sweida Clashes: Syrian Rights Group
The Syrian Network for Human Rights reports that at least 321 people, including six children and nine women, have been killed and over 436 others injured in ongoing clashes in Syria’s southern Sweida province.
Fighting erupted on Sunday between Bedouin tribal forces and local armed Druze groups and has continued in the province’s western and northern regions. The violence initially started as minor skirmishes but escalated quickly, prompting Syrian regime forces to intervene. Dozens of regime soldiers were subsequently killed in attacks by Druze factions.
Although a ceasefire was brokered following the escalation, it quickly broke down.
In response, Israel intensified its military operations across Syria, citing the protection of Druze communities. Airstrikes targeted four provinces, including the General Staff headquarters and the presidential palace in Damascus on Wednesday.
Late Thursday, the Syrian presidency announced a new agreement mediated by Arab and American actors. As part of the deal, regime forces began pulling out of Sweida in an effort to reduce tensions.
