Clashes between Druze fighters, Syrian forces raise fears of renewed violence

The confrontations in the Druze-majority province of Suwayda recently escalated amid kidnappings, armed attacks, and other disputes.

Beatrice Farhat

Jul 3, 2026

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At least two people were killed and dozens of others injured in renewed clashes on Friday between government forces and Druze fighters in Suwayda province, the latest escalation in tensions between Damascus and armed factions in southern Syria.

What happened: Local media reported heavy clashes between the National Guard, a Druze-led armed group, and government forces in western Suwayda that began late Thursday and continued into early Friday. The two sides blame each other for the outbreak of hostilities.

State-run Al-Ikhbariah TV cited unnamed security sources saying that a group of gunmen had launched an attack on government security forces positions in the Tal Hadid area, in Suwayda's western countryside.

The news channel also said two gunmen were killed and 16 others injured after internal security........

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