
Attacks on Syrian security forces sent to quell sectarian clashes leave 16 dead
Sunday's fighting between Druze militiamen and Bedouin tribal fighters was the first time that sectarian violence erupted inside the city of Sweida itself, following months of tensions in the broader province.
In a statement to Reuters, the defense ministry said "outlawed groups," which it did not identify further, had attacked a number of its units at dawn.
It said its forces responded to the attack and had pursued those groups that refused to halt hostilities and continued to target security forces.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


LBCI
3 hours ago
- LBCI
UN says nearly 80,000 displaced by south Syria violence
Nearly 80,000 people have been displaced by sectarian violence in southern Syria that began last week, the U.N.'s migration agency said Friday. In a statement, the International Organization for Migration said "79,339 people have been displaced since 13 July, including 20,019 on 17 July," adding that water, electricity and telecoms services in Sweida had "collapsed" and fuel shortages had crippled transportation and emergency logistics. AFP


LBCI
3 hours ago
- LBCI
From cargo to connectivity: Tripoli Port poised for regional role with strategic development projects
Report by Ghida Fayad, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi Tripoli Port, Lebanon's second-largest commercial port after Beirut, receives around 900 ships annually carrying a wide range of cargo, including timber, iron, grains, oils, and passengers. Yet its actual value lies beyond volume; it is its geographic proximity to the Syrian border crossings that makes it a critical strategic asset. Now, Lebanon's Public Works and Transport Ministry sees a rare opportunity: positioning Tripoli Port as a vital transit hub between East and West, on par with major regional ports. To achieve that, the ministry is advancing four major development projects currently underway at the port. First is the construction of grain silos, a move that would transform Tripoli into a key hub for grain imports and generate additional revenue. Second, a new floating dock for ship repairs is being built to establish Tripoli as a regional center for maritime maintenance. Third, the expansion of container storage yards is underway, which will boost storage capacity and, in turn, increase port revenues. Lastly, customs inspection areas and three warehouses for diverse container cargo are being prepared to enhance security, curb smuggling, and modernize cargo services. However, the government's ambitions do not end at the port gates. The vision includes connecting Tripoli Port with the nearby Qlayaat Airport project and improving road infrastructure that links both facilities to Lebanon's northern border with Syria. Two key bridges—Aarida and Aabboudiye—were damaged by Israeli strikes during the last war and are now being considered for rehabilitation. A strategic location, ongoing projects, and a broader regional outlook could make Tripoli Port a pivotal player in Lebanon's recovery. Will the government seize this opportunity?


LBCI
3 hours ago
- LBCI
Israeli involvement in Syria: Israel expands military presence in southern Syria under guise of Druze aid
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has approved a $600,000 budget to support the Druze community in Syria's Sweida province, a move widely seen as deepening Tel Aviv's involvement in the Syrian conflict under the pretext of humanitarian assistance, including food, medicine, and first aid. Simultaneously, Israel has ramped up its military posture along the Syrian front. The Israeli army reinforced its ground forces with internal security units, and its air force deployed dozens of surveillance drones operating around the clock, particularly over Jabal al-Druze, Mount Hermon, and the buffer security zone in southern Syria. The military buildup has been justified as a protective measure for the Druze population, aimed at deterring Syrian regime forces from advancing toward them. On the political front, Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz, speaking from Washington, firmly rejected any withdrawal from areas occupied by Israeli forces in southern Syria, namely Mount Hermon and the buffer zone. During a meeting with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, Katz dismissed recent efforts to reach a security agreement with Damascus, stating that Israel no longer trusts Ahmed al-Sharaa or the Syrian regime. Several military and political figures welcomed the Security Minister's statements, though others argued that Israel's interests are better served through dialogue and security arrangements. Amid concerns over potential military escalation if Syrian regime forces attempt to return to what Israel considers red-line areas, the Israeli military confirmed it had returned hundreds of Israeli Druze who had crossed into Syria, and pushed Syrian Druze back beyond the ceasefire line. Troop reinforcements were deployed not only to contain what Israel described as chaos on both sides of the border, but also to block the potential infiltration of hostile fighters. The underlying goal is the establishment of a wide buffer zone inside Syrian territory—an Israeli-controlled strip that would serve as a shield against any future attacks.