Background on Key Figures and Relevance
Sweida, a city in southern Syria with a predominantly Druze population, has recently experienced intense violence. The Druze are a religious minority originating from Islam’s Chiite branch. The conflict escalated on Sunday, involving clashes between Druze and Bedouin tribes, Syrian government forces, and even the Israeli military, which conducted airstrikes on Sweida and other parts of Syria.
Government Orders and Security Delegation
On Thursday morning, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued orders for the withdrawal of government troops from Sweida. This decision aimed to prevent an open conflict with Israel by entrusting security responsibilities to the Druze community. The violence had left nearly 600 people dead, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), an NGO.
Devastation in Sweida
Journalists from AFP reported a desolate scene in Sweida on Thursday, with looted shops, burned houses, and bodies lying in the streets. Hanadi Obeid, a 39-year-old doctor, described the city as if it had just experienced a natural disaster or flood.
- Hanadi Obeid’s Observations: She witnessed three bodies in the streets, including an elderly woman. She also saw overturned cars and a burning tank.
Casualties and Allegations
The SOHR reported at least 594 fatalities in Sweida, with 83 being civilians who fell victim to summary executions by security forces.
Despite the withdrawal of government troops, following mediation by the United States, Turkey, and Arab countries (as per al-Sharaa’s statement), the situation remains volatile.
International Reactions
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who maintains close ties with the Syrian government, accused Israel of using the Druze as an excuse to expand its “vandalism” in Syria.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the Druze? The Druze are a religious minority originating from Islam’s Chiite branch, predominantly residing in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel.
- What triggered the recent violence in Sweida? The conflict began on Sunday between Druze and Bedouin tribes, escalating to involve Syrian government forces and Israeli airstrikes.
- What was the outcome of the government’s decision to withdraw troops? Although the withdrawal aimed to prevent an open conflict with Israel, the situation in Sweida remains volatile.
- What accusations have been made against Israel? Turkish President Erdogan accused Israel of using the Druze as an excuse to expand its actions in Syria.
