Violent clashes between Bedouin tribes and Druze fighters in the southern Syrian city of Suwayda have left more than 30 people dead and over 100 injured, according to the Syrian Ministry of Interior. The violence erupted over the weekend in the Maqwas neighbourhood, reportedly sparked by a spate of kidnappings, including the recent abduction of a Druze merchant. This marks the worst sectarian flare-up in Suwayda since earlier incidents in April and May, and authorities have now deployed troops in an attempt to quell the unrest and restore order.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported at least 37 fatalities, with 27 identified as Druze, including two children. Armed Bedouin groups allegedly attacked Druze villages on the city’s outskirts, causing widespread panic and leading to the evacuation of several wounded civilians to nearby Deraa for treatment. Interior Minister Anas Khattab called for calm, stressing the need to uphold civil peace and ensure justice. Meanwhile, Suwayda Governor Mustapha al-Bakour appealed for self-restraint as tensions escalate in the deeply divided region.

Suwayda, home to Syria’s largest Druze population of approximately 700,000, has become a flashpoint for recurring sectarian strife following the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in December. The collapse of centralized rule left a security vacuum, exacerbating rivalries between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes. Analysts warn that continued instability could spiral into a larger bloodbath if not addressed swiftly. Peace agreements signed earlier this year now appear fragile as clashes resume, highlighting the complex challenges facing Syria’s transitional authorities in safeguarding minority communities and fostering national reconciliation.