Clashes between tribal groups and local factions in Suwayda reignited on Sunday, July 20, along the Umm al-Zaytoun and Shahba axes, following the withdrawal of tribal groups and an Interior Ministry announcement confirming their exit from the governorate.
Enab Baladi’s correspondent in Daraa reported that Internal Security Forces closed all roads leading to Suwayda to prevent the return of tribal groups. The fighting resumed due to the continued presence of some tribal members in the city of Shahba.
The reporter explained that although the battles had paused after the withdrawal announcement, clashes broke out again around Shahba between the remaining tribal group and local factions. Expectations suggest this group may soon withdraw from the area.
Security forces closed access roads to Suwayda and sealed off entrances from the western countryside bordering Daraa to block any further tribal advances into the province.
Meanwhile, media activist Qutaiba Azzam told Enab Baladi that the security situation within Suwayda city and the western countryside remains calm. However, he noted clashes near Shahba, as tribal fighters attempt to enter the town of Ariqa. Overall, the situation is reportedly trending toward de-escalation.
Azzam also highlighted dire humanitarian conditions, citing a lack of electricity, water, fuel, and bread, which has impacted public services severely.
Withdrawal of Tribal Forces
Interior Ministry spokesperson Nour al-Din al-Baba confirmed on Saturday, July 19, that the ministry had made significant efforts to implement the ceasefire agreement by deploying forces in the northern and western parts of Suwayda, according to the Syrian state-run channel al-Ikhbariya.
He stated that the ministry worked to evacuate all tribal fighters from Suwayda city and cease hostilities within its neighborhoods.
The Tribal and Clans Council also announced the complete withdrawal of its fighters from Suwayda city on the same day.
The decision followed consultations with tribal members inside the governorate and came in compliance with the ceasefire agreement. The statement stressed the council’s commitment to restoring calm and giving the authorities space to secure the area.
The council warned that any violations of the agreement by “lawless gangs” would be met with a strong response.
Suwayda’s Internal Security commander, Ahmad al-Dalati, met with tribal leaders in Daraa and called on them to withdraw all fighters from Suwayda.
How the Tensions Began
The tensions began with mutual kidnappings between tribal groups on the outskirts of Suwayda and local factions, eventually escalating into armed clashes that prompted intervention from the Defense and Interior ministries.
While the government reached agreements with local leaders and elders, some factions rejected the deal and launched counterattacks with Israeli air support.
Security campaigns by the ministries were reportedly accompanied by violations against fighters and civilians, which were followed by counterviolations from the local factions who expanded their attacks toward Bedouin villages.
Syria’s transitional president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, later announced the withdrawal of the Defense and Interior ministries from Suwayda to avoid an “open confrontation with Israel.” He handed over local governance to Druze leaders and community factions.
Following the withdrawal, southern Syria witnessed large-scale tribal mobilizations and concentrated attacks against local factions in Suwayda, with reported violations by tribal forces before a ceasefire agreement was reached between Syria and Israel.
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