Damascus’ lingering challenge in Sweida

Tensions have escalated once again in Syria’s southern Sweida province after renewed clashes between government security forces and local armed groups left 10 members of the Syrian Internal Security Forces (ISF) wounded, according to Syrian state media.

The latest violence comes amid an already fragile security situation in the predominantly Druze province, where relations between local armed factions and Syria’s new authorities remain strained following months of unrest.

Clashes reported in western Sweida countryside

According to Syrian state television, 10 members of the ISF were injured after what it described as attacks by “outlaw groups” targeting security positions in the Tal Hadid area and the Walgha axis in western Sweida countryside.

The state broadcaster initially reported 4 wounded personnel before later raising the number to 10, with clashes reportedly involving local armed factions operating in the area. The security escalation followed the killing of 2 civilians in earlier clashes between local armed groups and government forces.

Sweida city and several parts of the surrounding province remain under the influence of local armed factions, making the region one of the last areas where the Syrian authorities have not fully consolidated their control. Among the most prominent armed groups operating in the province is the “National Guard,” a faction associated with Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri.

Accusations between government forces and local groups

The National Guard accused government forces of launching mortar attacks and indiscriminate machine-gun fire toward areas west of Sweida city. In a statement published on social media, the group claimed that the attacks targeted civilian areas and resulted in the injury of a child.

The group said its forces had returned fire and warned that what it described as “attacks” would not go unanswered, stating that any response would aim to protect the security of the mountain region and its residents.

Syrian authorities, however, have accused armed groups in Sweida of undermining security and preventing the state from exercising its responsibilities. Damascus has repeatedly stated that restoring government control and ensuring the rule of law across all Syrian provinces remains a priority.

The dispute reflects the broader struggle over the future of governance in Sweida, where many local actors have resisted the deployment of central government forces, citing concerns over security guarantees and the protection of the Druze community.

The legacy of the July 2025 violence

The latest clashes occur in light of major sectarian violence that struck Sweida in July 2025. According to the committee appointed by the Syrian government to document the violations committed, at least 1,760 people were killed during the unrest, while other monitoring organizations reported a higher death toll.

The violence involved clashes between Druze armed groups, tribal factions, and government forces, leading to widespread accusations of abuses, including extrajudicial killings and violations against civilians.

The events prompted regional concern, particularly after Israel carried out airstrikes in southern Syria, saying it was acting to protect the Druze community. The intervention added another layer of complexity to the situation, as Damascus attempted to manage relations with both local factions and neighboring countries.

Since then, tensions have continued, with disputes emerging over security arrangements, political representation, and the role of armed groups in the province.

Disputes over Sweida’s political future

The situation has also been shaped by disagreements surrounding Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, one of the most influential Druze figures in Sweida and a strong critic of Syria’s new authorities.

Al-Hijri and groups aligned with him have demanded greater autonomy for the province and have opposed the return of full central government control, while simultaneously siding towards Israel for protection. Some of his recent statements, including remarks regarding relations between the Druze community and Israel, have sparked criticism from various Syrian Druze figures, including members of the Druze community in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

Druze representatives from villages such as Majdal Shams, Mas’ade, Buq’ata, and Ein Qiniyye rejected claims that the Druze community should be linked politically to Israel, stressing their Syrian identity and opposition to any project that could contribute to Syria’s fragmentation.

Several figures from the Golan Druze community argued that the future of Sweida should remain connected to Syria’s territorial unity and warned against external influence over the province.

U.S. calls for restraint and dialogue

Amid the renewed tensions, United States (U.S.) Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack called for restraint and a return to what he described as a roadmap for peace in Sweida.

Barrack referred to a previously signed agreement involving Syria, Jordan, and the U.S. aimed at supporting stability in the province and reintegrating Sweida into Syria while ensuring the rights and responsibilities of its residents.

He warned that areas where state authority is absent can become vulnerable to armed groups filling the vacuum. Barrack also condemned the reported forced departure of local figure Atef Hanidi from Sweida after tensions surrounding statements criticizing al-Hijri.

The U.S. envoy stressed the need for cooperation between Druze communities, Arab tribes, and neighboring countries, arguing that disputes should be resolved through dialogue rather than armed confrontation.

Meanwhile, Sweida Governor Mustafa al-Bakour denied reports that the Damascus-Sweida road had been closed or that the province was under siege. He said commercial traffic continued normally and accused armed groups of spreading misinformation to create further instability.

Nevertheless, with memories of the deadly violence of 2025 still fresh, the future stability of Sweida depends on whether political dialogue, security arrangements, and reconciliation efforts can replace confrontation. The province remains a key test for Syria’s ability to rebuild state institutions while addressing the concerns of its diverse communities.