Sectarian clashes in Syria's As Suwayda kill 18 security forces, promting curfew UPDATED

At least 18 members of Syria’s security forces were killed in the predominantly Druze city of As Suwayda after being deployed to quell renewed sectarian violence, according to the country's Ministry of Defence.

The fatal clashes, which erupted on July 13 and intensified into July 14, marked the first major outbreak of intercommunal violence in the city itself following months of escalating tensions across the wider As Suwayda province. The fighting involved Druze militias and armed members of local Bedouin tribes, Caliber.Az reports, citing Syrian media.

In remarks conveyed by SANA, Defence Ministry spokesperson Hasan Abdel Ghani stated that several soldiers were also injured in coordinated attacks by “banned groups” targeting military installations in and around the city.

Earlier, the ministry had confirmed in a separate statement that unidentified armed factions launched dawn attacks on a number of its positions. Government troops responded to the assaults and pursued the attackers, who reportedly refused to halt hostilities and continued targeting security forces.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military announced it had struck several Syrian army tanks in Suweida, describing the move as a deterrent action. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said the strikes served as a “clear warning to the Syrian authorities,” stressing that Israel would not tolerate harm to the Druze community residing in Syria.

In response to the deadly violence, the commander of internal security forces in As Suwayda, Brigadier General Ahmed al-Dalati, announced that army and police units will begin entering the centre of As Suwayda city to protect civilians and restore order.

Al-Dalati stated that a curfew has been imposed in the city and remains in effect until further notice to safeguard public safety.

The general urged religious leaders and local militia commanders to take national and humanitarian responsibility by cooperating fully with government forces to ensure the security of As Suwayda’s city centre and restore stability throughout the province.

The announcement follows several days of rising tensions in Suwayda, culminating on Sunday in bloody clashes between Bedouin tribes and local armed groups. The violence, triggered by a series of mutual kidnappings, has left at least 30 people dead and around 100 wounded, including women and children.

The Syrian Interior Ministry and military have blamed “unauthorised armed groups” for attacking army positions and escalating the unrest. In response, Syrian forces have been deployed in an attempt to reassert control and prevent further sectarian violence in the predominantly Druze province.

By Khagan Isayev