Latest news with #MenofDignity
News18
17-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Who Are The Druze And Why Sweida Has Become Epicenter Of Syria's Latest Unrest?
Last Updated: The Syrian government's deployment to Sweida has escalated tensions, causing clashes with Druze factions and Israeli military involvement. The Syrian government's deployment of forces to the Druze-majority city of Sweida has triggered a dangerous escalation in southern Syria. The move, described by observers as an attempt by the new Islamist authorities in Damascus to assert full control over the region, has raised fears of wider conflict. What Triggered Violence In Sweida? The clashes began on Sunday as fighting erupted between factions from the Druze religious minority and Sunni Muslim Bedouin tribes. The two groups have a long-standing rivalry in the region and this latest round of violence left over 100 people dead. In response, Syrian government forces deployed reinforcements to Sweida, claiming the aim was to restore order. However, reports from local witnesses, Druze armed groups and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said government troops, alongside Bedouin allies, seized several villages that were previously controlled by Druze factions. What Happened Next? By Monday, the Syrian government had entered parts of Sweida. On Tuesday, Damascus announced a ceasefire, following talks with local Druze notables. The Syrian defence ministry said it had entered the city peacefully but one of the top Druze spiritual leaders, Hikmat al-Hijri, accused the government of breaking that promise. He called on people to 'resist this brutal campaign by all available means." For much of Syria's 14-year civil war, Sweida remained under the de facto control of Druze militias. These groups, including the influential Men of Dignity movement and the Mountain Brigade, had stayed largely autonomous, defending their territory but avoiding deeper involvement in the broader conflict. After Bashar al-Assad was overthrown in December, Syria's new rulers demanded that all armed factions dissolve and integrate into the national army. In January, the two largest Druze groups expressed readiness to do so but said that the state has delayed acting on that agreement. Now, as the government forces entered their territory by force, those tensions have boiled over. Who Are The Druze? The Druze are a secretive religious community that emerged in the 10th century as a breakaway from Ismailism, a branch of Shiite Islam. Prior to the war, Syria was home to around 700,000 Druze- about 3% of the population. Today, around 150,000 live in Sweida. Druze communities are also found in Lebanon and Israel, including in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NDTV
16-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Syria Says Withdrawing Troops After Agreeing To Ceasefire In Sweida
Damascus: Syria announced it had begun withdrawing its army from Druze-majority Sweida city on Wednesday night after agreeing to a new ceasefire that it said would bring a complete halt to its military operations there. A previous truce announced on Tuesday appeared to have little effect on the ground in the southern region, where days of violence have left more than 300 dead, according to a monitor. According to the text of the new ceasefire agreement, published by the interior ministry, there will be a "total and immediate halt to all military operations", as well as the formation of a committee comprising government officials and Druze spiritual leaders to supervise its implementation. The defence ministry later said it had "begun withdrawing from the city of Sweida in implementation of the terms of the adopted agreement after the end of the sweep of the city for outlaw groups". The ministry's statement made no mention of the withdrawal of any other government security forces deployed to the city. In a video carried by state television, Sheikh Youssef Jarboua, one of Syria's three main Druze spiritual leaders, read out the 10 points of the agreement, which also included "the full integration of the province" of Sweida into the Syrian state. Until now, Druze areas have been controlled by fighters from the minority community. After Islamist-led rebels toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December after 14 years of civil war, some Druze fighters said they were ready to integrate into the new security forces. The text of the ceasefire indicates that no harm will come to civilians or their property, after witnesses and a monitor reported abuses in recent days including summary executions and looting on the part of government forces and their allies. It also provides for "the release of detainees" and inquiries into the fate of the missing. Another influential Druze chief, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, rejected the new agreement after it was announced. "There cannot be an accord or negotiations with these armed groups that call themselves a government," he said in a statement. Earlier on Wednesday, Hijri had appealed to US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "and all those who have influence in the world" to "save Sweida". The Men of Dignity movement, one of the two largest Druze armed groups in the area, said Wednesday that "any agreement that does not include the full withdrawal of the invading forces... will be totally unacceptable". In a statement on Facebook, the group added it would keep fighting unless "the invaders withdraw from all the villages and towns that they have desecrated". The clashes in the south began on Sunday between the Druze and Bedouin tribes, who have a long-running feud, sparking an intervention by government forces who deployed in Sweida city. Witnesses reported that upon entering the city, the government forces joined with the Bedouin in attacking Druze fighters and civilians.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
What role is Israel playing in the clashes between Druze and Bedouins in Syria?
Israel has demanded southern Syria be demilitarized. This has had the result of creating a vacuum in southern Syria. The government claims that it wants to protect civilians and restore order. Clashes in Syria between the Druze minority in Sweida and Bedouin tribesmen are the latest in a series of similar confrontations that have taken place since Syria's new government came to power in December 2024, replacing the Assad regime. The Druze in Syria have often sought to maintain some of their own autonomy in their region, a trend that increased during the Syrian civil war. The recent clashes have led Israel to carry out overflights in southern Syria, according to local witnesses in the country. In addition, reports said that the IDF had targeted armored vehicles in Syria amid the clashes. This is not the first time that has happened. In fact, this is at least the third time in the last six months that this similar cycle has played out. In essence, the way the cycle works is like this: Druze clash with local Arabs. Usually several people or up to a dozen people are killed, with victims on both sides. The government forces try to intervene. Typically, government forces oppose the armed Druze fighters who have also arrived on the scene. Israel then also threatens to intervene and sometimes carries out airstrikes or threats. Subsequently, the government says it has come to an agreement with the Druze. Commonly, the agreement is supposed to have the Druze accept government control. Generally, nothing changes, and in a month or two, there are new clashes. The Druze in southern Syria are armed with light weapons, such as rifles. They also possess other munitions and various types of military vehicles. These are leftovers from the Assad era. The Druze served in the regime's military like other Syrians, however, they also sought to arm themselves to protect their own interests. Most Druze live in the area of Sweida, also called Jebel Druze or Druze Mountain. The Druze have been wary of jihadist groups and persecution. Therefore, they have tended to prefer the Assad regime as long as it didn't oppress them too much. The regime was dominated by the Alawite minority and often tried to play groups off against each other in Syria. As such, the Druze were used by the regime. Druze in Israel and Lebanon also try to balance their interests with the state, achieving the same types of local autonomy while serving in the armed forces. What this means is that the Druze minority in Syria tends to be well armed and assertive. It also appears to be suspicious of other groups that may chafe against their autonomy, such as Bedouin and other Sunni Arab groups. According to North Press, a Syrian media outlet in eastern Syria, 'a Druze militia, early on Monday, held the Syrian transitional government responsible for the recent escalation and violent clashes in Sweida Governorate, southern Syria.' The report goes on to note that 'In a statement, the Men of Dignity movement, a self-defense militia established after the outbreak of the Syrian war to defend Sweida Governorate, called for de-escalation while emphasizing the mobilization of its members to defend the region.' The statement read, 'This dangerous tension the governorate is witnessing serves no party but rather threatens civil peace and paves the way for a state of chaos we reject for our people and our country.' The Druze claim that the government has not secured the road between Sweida and Damascus. The report claims 100 people have been killed and wounded. 'We hold the Syrian government primarily responsible for the current situation,' the statement noted, 'due to its failure to maintain security, its silence in the face of repeated violations, and its tolerance of affiliated factions interfering and siding with one group over another.' It also says 'Sweida was and will remain a land of dignity and coexistence. It will not be drawn into any sedition, but at the same time, we will not allow it to become an open arena for settling scores.' Syria's government believes a power vacuum has led to this chaos. Clashes come after Israel demands southern Syria demilitarized Israel has demanded southern Syria be demilitarized. This has had the result of creating a vacuum in southern Syria. The government claims that it wants to protect civilians and restore order. 'The [Syrian] Ministry of Interior also issued a statement, attributing the worsening security situation to the absence of active state institutions and the local community's inability to contain the crisis despite repeated calls for calm,' the report said. The Syrian Defense Ministry 'confirmed Monday the institutional vacuum that accompanied the outbreak of clashes in Sweida Governorate has worsened the state of chaos, in addition to the inability of official security or military institutions to intervene, which hindered the efforts exerted to calming down the situation there,' Syrian state media noted. 'We have followed with deep sadness and concern the bloody developments Sweida province has witnessed over the past two days, which left more than 30 deaths and nearly 100 injuries in a number of neighborhoods and towns,' the ministry said. 'In coordination with the Interior Ministry, we have deployed specialized military units to the affected areas, providing safe passages for civilians,' the report noted. The difficulty in resolving these issues will mean continued clashes are likely. The Druze will not want to hand over their weapons to the new government. The role of Israel is complex. The IDF has said in recent weeks that it has captured two cells near the Golan that were linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IDF has also carried out recent operations on Mount Hermon. These are areas the IDF moved to when the Assad regime fell. Some argue the IDF should intervene more in Syria. On the other hand, that could lead to more chaos in southern Syria. Iran and other enemies could exploit the chaos. Israel has held behind-the-scenes talks with Damascus, according to numerous foreign reports in recent months. Additionally, the US has supported the new Syrian government. Stability is the preferable option going forward. For that to happen, the Druze and Damascus will need to reach an agreement. Solve the daily Crossword
NDTV
16-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
What Is Happening In Syria's Druze-Majority Sweida?
Damascus: The Syrian government deployed its forces in the Druze-majority city of Sweida, in a bid by the Islamist authorities to extend their power to the area controlled by local armed groups. Why did authorities take this major step, and what could follow? How Did It Begin? Clashes began on Sunday between factions from the Druze religious minority and Bedouin tribes, who are Sunni Muslim, killing more than 100 people. The two sides have a longstanding feud in Sweida. Syrian government forces sent reinforcements to the region, in the country's south, saying they want to reestablish security. But according to witnesses, Druze armed groups and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor, government forces and allied groups including Bedouins took control on Monday of several villages near Sweida that were previously run by Druze fighters. On Tuesday, following contacts between Damascus authorities and notables from Sweida, the Syrian defence ministry announced a ceasefire after government forces had entered the city. Before then, Sweida, home to around 150,000 people, was controlled by various Druze factions. Syria's three main Druze spiritual leaders, who sometimes hold differing views on political issues, called on local fighters on Tuesday to lay down their arms. However, Hikmat al-Hijri, one of the leaders, then accused Damascus of failing to uphold its commitment to enter Sweida peacefully and called for "resisting this brutal campaign by all available means". Terrified residents of Sweida have reported numerous abuses since the entry of government troops and their allies, including executions, looting and burning houses. What Future Awaits The Druze Factions? The new Islamist authorities, who seized power after overthrowing longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December, had demanded the dissolution of all armed groups and their integration into the forces of the defence ministry. During Syria's 14-year civil war, which started after Assad's violent repression of peaceful protests in 2011, the Druze formed their own armed groups to protect their heartland in Sweida away from major battles. In January, the two largest groups, the Men of Dignity movement and the Mountain Brigade, said they were ready to join the new national army. "The state has been stalling the implementation of this agreement," Men of Dignity spokesperson Bassem Fakhr told AFP. Aside from the Druze, the Kurds, who control vast territories in the country's northeast, have a powerful armed wing, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and are negotiating with Damascus for their integration into the armed forces. Prior to the war, the Druze in Syria numbered around 700,000, or three percent of the population. The Druze are followers of an esoteric religion that split from Shiite Islam, and are mainly found in Syria, Lebanon and Israel. Why Is Israel Intervening? Since the fall of Assad, Israel expanded its overture to Syria's Druze through notable Israeli coreligionists. It sent humanitarian parcels and allowed delegations of religious dignitaries to go to Israel on pilgrimage, despite an official state of war with Syria. In March, Israel expressed its intention to defend the Druze following skirmishes in the suburbs of Damascus, but these remarks were immediately rejected by Druze dignitaries, who reaffirmed their commitment to the unity of Syria. Israel has bombed several Syrian military positions in Sweida since Monday. "We will not allow harm to the Druze in Syria," Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said, adding his country will "not stand idly by". On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu along with Katz said they "are acting to prevent the Syrian regime from harming them and to ensure the demilitarisation of the area adjacent to our border with Syria".
Al-Ahram Weekly
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
What is happening in Syria's Druze-majority Sweida? - Region
The Syrian government deployed its forces in the Druze-majority city of Sweida, in a bid by the Islamist authorities to extend their power to the area controlled by local armed groups. Why did authorities take this major step, and what could follow? - How did it begin? - Clashes began on Sunday between factions from the Druze religious minority and Bedouin tribes, who are Sunni Muslim, killing more than 100 people. The two sides have a longstanding feud in Sweida. Syrian government forces sent reinforcements to the region, in the country's south, saying they want to reestablish security. But according to witnesses, Druze armed groups and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor, government forces and allied groups including Bedouins took control on Monday of several villages near Sweida that were previously run by Druze fighters. On Tuesday, following contacts between Damascus authorities and notables from Sweida, the Syrian defence ministry announced a ceasefire after government forces had entered the city. Before then, Sweida, home to around 150,000 people, was controlled by various Druze factions. Syria's three main Druze spiritual leaders, who sometimes hold differing views on political issues, called on local fighters on Tuesday to lay down their arms. However, Hikmat al-Hijri, one of the leaders, then accused Damascus of failing to uphold its commitment to enter Sweida peacefully and called for "resisting this brutal campaign by all available means". Terrified residents of Sweida have reported numerous abuses since the entry of government troops and their allies, including executions, looting and burning houses. - What future awaits the Druze factions? - The new Islamist authorities, who seized power after overthrowing longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December, had demanded the dissolution of all armed groups and their integration into the forces of the defence ministry. During Syria's 14-year civil war, which started after Assad's violent repression of peaceful protests in 2011, the Druze formed their own armed groups to protect their heartland in Sweida away from major battles. In January, the two largest groups, the Men of Dignity movement and the Mountain Brigade, said they were ready to join the new national army. "The state has been stalling the implementation of this agreement," Men of Dignity spokesperson Bassem Fakhr told AFP. Aside from the Druze, the Kurds, who control vast territories in the country's northeast, have a powerful armed wing, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and are negotiating with Damascus for their integration into the armed forces. Prior to the war, the Druze in Syria numbered around 700,000, or three percent of the population. The Druze are followers of an esoteric religion that split from Shiite Islam, and are mainly found in Syria, Lebanon and Israel. - Why is Israel intervening? - Since the fall of Assad, Israel expanded its overture to Syria's Druze through notable Israeli coreligionists. It sent humanitarian parcels and allowed delegations of religious dignitaries to go to Israel on pilgrimage, despite an official state of war with Syria. In March, Israel expressed its intention to defend the Druze following skirmishes in the suburbs of Damascus, but these remarks were immediately rejected by Druze dignitaries, who reaffirmed their commitment to the unity of Syria. Israel has bombed several Syrian military positions in Sweida since Monday. "We will not allow harm to the Druze in Syria," Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said, adding his country will "not stand idly by". On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu along with Katz said they "are acting to prevent the Syrian regime from harming them and to ensure the demilitarisation of the area adjacent to our border with Syria". Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
