As-Suwayda`a in the Heart of Conflict: Files on Recent Clashes and Sectarian Tensions

As-Suwayda`a – Syria

As-Suwayda Governorate, located in southern Syria, has witnessed an unprecedented wave of violence recently, centered around sectarian conflicts and armed clashes between local factions and scattered armed elements. This has occurred amid a security vacuum following the fall of the Assad government in December 2024 and the emergence of a caretaker government led by Ahmad Al-Shara.

Demographic Composition
The Druze constitute about two-thirds of As-Suwayda`a’s population, while the remaining portion is divided among Christian and Bedouin minorities. Despite their Ismaili roots, the Druze do not follow the Quran but rather their own sacred texts known as the “Epistles of Wisdom.” Historically, the Druze played a role in resisting French colonialism, but they did not hold leadership positions in the Syrian government due to Ba’ath Party policies.

During Bashar al-Assad’s rule, the Druze community maintained a relatively neutral stance, accepting some government interventions to disperse anti-government protests in 2011. With the civil war, the Druze avoided taking sides and relied on a semi-autonomous local governance, led by three prominent spiritual leaders: Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hajri, Sheikh Yusuf Jarbou’, and Sheikh Hamoud Al-Hanawi.

Developments in the Recent Conflict
Following Assad’s fall, As-Suwayda`a entered a critical phase of violence, which included:

• Armed Clashes: Between local Druze factions and Bedouin armed elements, involving heavy weapons and mortar shells, targeting areas such as Sahnaya, Jaramana, ‘A`ara, Lbeen, Kanaker, ‘Urayqa, and Al-Dour.
• Kidnappings and Retaliation: A surge in reciprocal kidnappings among local tribes, resulting in the detention of around 24 individuals within less than 24 hours.
• Field Killings and Executions: Dozens of Druze civilians and fighters were killed, including local figures and religious men, according to local sources and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

As-Suwayda`a Military Council
In February 2025, the As-Suwayda Military Council was announced, comprising Druze factions, most notably the Men of Dignity Movement/Harakat Rijal Al-Karama linked to Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hajri, aiming to ensure stability and security within the governorate amid speculation about its ties to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Humanitarian and Civil Situation

• The clashes resulted in more than 170 dead and wounded, including civilians, with reports of torture and arbitrary arrests.
• Some villages were raided and properties burned, in addition to the complete targeting of a Druze religious shrine.
• Local hospitals received dozens of wounded, some in critical condition, amidst a clear shortage of medical and relief services.

International and Local Position

• France and the United States called for an end to the violence, protection of civilians, and accountability for perpetrators.
• The local government and As-Suwayda`a governorate reached preliminary ceasefire agreements, which included releasing hostages and deploying local security personnel.
• Israel army announced limited air sorties to ensure the Druze were not targeted, while rejecting direct ground intervention.

Conclusion
The situation in As-Suwayda`a remains fragile, with ongoing incidents of violence and kidnappings and threats of renewed clashes in the western and northern countryside. The Local and religious leaders calls for restraint and opening channels of dialogue, while the international community closely monitors the humanitarian and security developments in the governorate.