Israel Strikes Military Tanks in Southern Syria Amid Clashes Between Syrian Forces and Druze Militias
Israel has reportedly targeted Syrian military tanks in southern Syria as fierce clashes erupt between Syrian government forces and Druze militias in the city of Sweida. The escalation follows months of rising tensions in the region and marks a significant flare-up of sectarian violence.
Sunday’s fighting between Druze militiamen and Bedouin tribal fighters was the first time such violence occurred inside Sweida city itself. At least 30 people were killed, prompting Syria’s security forces to deploy units to restore calm and facilitate civilian evacuations, according to the defense ministry.
However, clashes resumed on Monday, and at least six members of Syria’s security forces were killed, a ministry source told Reuters. The fighting is part of a broader pattern of sectarian instability affecting minority communities across Syria.
Local media sources say the violence was triggered by a series of kidnappings, including the abduction of a Druze merchant on Friday along the Damascus–Sweida highway.
The developments come as Israel continues its policy of preventing the Syrian military from establishing a strong presence near its southern borders. Israeli officials have stated they do not accept the deployment of Syria’s restructured army south of Damascus, calling instead for Sweida and surrounding provinces to remain a demilitarized zone.
Interior Minister Anas Khattab, in a statement released through state media, said that the absence of functioning state institutions—especially military and security agencies—was a major factor behind the continuing unrest in Sweida and its countryside.
The latest events highlight the volatile mix of local grievances, sectarian tensions, and regional power struggles that continue to destabilize southern Syria, even as the wider civil war enters a new phase.
