Violence that began on Sunday in Syria’s southern province of Sweida has resulted in nearly 600 deaths. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reports that the conflict started between the Druze and Bedouin communities.
According to SOHR, the death toll has reached 594. Approximately 300 victims are from the Druze community, including 146 fighters and 154 civilians. The report states that 83 of these deaths were caused by Syrian government forces.
Government security personnel deaths number 257, while 18 Bedouin fighters have also been killed. Additionally, three Bedouin civilians were reportedly killed by Druze fighters.
Israel has launched airstrikes in Syria, claiming the strikes aimed to counter oppression of the Druze minority. Israeli air attacks targeted Syria’s Ministry of Defense and other government buildings. SOHR reports at least 15 Syrian soldiers were killed in these strikes.
The Druze community also resides in Israel’s Golan Heights. Following the violence in Sweida, many Druze from Golan Heights crossed into Syria. Israel has stated these strikes were carried out to protect its security and the Druze population.
This incident adds complexity to the existing ethnic and political tensions in Syria.
