Latest news with #Noureddineal-Baba
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
a day ago
- Politics
- First Post
Amid bloody Sunni-Druze clashes, Israel warns Syria with fresh strike on tanks
In Syria's Sweida region, fighting between local militias and tribes has claimed the lives of several dozen individuals. Government security troops dispatched to restore order on Monday fought with local armed groups read more Syrian government security forces gather on the outskirts of Sweida province where clashes erupted between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin clans, southern Syria. AP Israel's army said Monday it destroyed military tanks in southern Syria, as government forces and Bedouin tribes battled with Druze militias in the latest escalation in the Middle Eastern country battling for peace after a 13-year civil war. In Syria's Sweida region, fighting between local militias and tribes has claimed the lives of several dozen individuals. Government security troops dispatched to restore order on Monday fought with local armed groups. According to Syria's Interior Ministry, at than 30 people have been killed and almost 100 injured. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, reported at least 99 deaths, including two children, two women, and 14 security forces personnel. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The conflicts in Syria began between armed groups from the Druze and Sunni Bedouin clans, according to the observatory, with some members of the government security forces 'actively participating' in favour of the Bedouin. According to Syrian Interior Ministry spokeswoman Noureddine al-Baba, government soldiers entered Sweida early this morning to restore order. 'Some clashes occurred with outlawed armed groups, but our forces are doing their best to prevent any civilian casualties,' he told state-run Al-Ikhbariya TV. Clashes fundamentally 'not sectarian' in nature Al-Baba told The Associated Press that the 'clashes are fundamentally not sectarian in nature.' 'The real conflict is between the state and bandits and criminals, not between the state and any Syrian community,' he said. 'On the contrary, the state views the Druze community in Sweida as a partner in advancing the national unity project.' Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the observatory, said the conflict started with the kidnapping and robbery of a Druze vegetable seller by members of a Bedouin tribe who set up a checkpoint, leading to tit-for-tat attacks and kidnappings. The Interior Ministry described the situation as a dangerous escalation that 'comes in the absence of the relevant official institutions, which has led to an exacerbation of the state of chaos, the deterioration of the security situation, and the inability of the local community to contain the situation.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD U.N. Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Najat Rochdi expressed 'deep concern' over the violence and urged the government and local groups to 'take immediate steps to protect civilians, restore calm, and prevent incitement.' She said in a statement the clashes underscored the 'urgent need for genuine inclusion, trust-building, and meaningful dialogue to advance a credible and inclusive political transition in Syria.' Israel sees Druze as a loyal minority Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement that the Israeli military 'attacked targets in Syria as a message and a clear warning to the Syrian regime — we will not allow harm to the Druze in Syria.' In Israel, the Druze are seen as a loyal minority and often serve in the armed forces. While many Druze in Syria have said they do not want Israel to intervene on their behalf, factions from the Druze minority have also been suspicious of the new authorities in Damascus after former President Bashar Assad fled the country in December during a rebel offensive led by Sunni Islamist insurgent groups. On several occasions, Druze groups have clashed with security forces from the new government or allied factions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In May, Israeli forces struck a site near the presidential palace in Damascus, in what was seen as a warning to Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The strike came after dozens were killed in fighting between pro-government gunmen and Druze fighters in the town of Sahnaya and the Druze-majority Damascus suburb of Jaramana. Over half of the roughly 1 million Druze worldwide live in Syria. Most other Druze live in Lebanon and Israel, including in the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 Mideast War and annexed in 1981. A group led by Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, a Druze spiritual leader who has been opposed to the new government in Damascus, on Monday issued a statement calling for 'international protection' and accused government forces and General Security agency of 'supporting takfiri gangs' — using a term for extremist Sunni militants. Syria's Foreign Ministry called for 'all countries and organizations to respect the authority of the Syrian Arab Republic and refrain from supporting any separatist rebel movements.' In a statement, it called for Syrians to 'cease acts of violence, surrender illegal weapons and thwart those seeking to dismantle the Syrian social fabric and sow discord and division.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Like unwrapping an onion' The Druze religious sect is a minority group that began as a 10th-century offshoot of Ismailism, a branch of Shiite Islam. In Syria, they largely live in the southern Sweida province and some suburbs of Damascus, mainly in Jaramana and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya to the south. The Druze developed their own militias during the country's nearly 14-year civil war, during which they sometimes faced attacks by the Islamic State group and other militant groups. Israel has taken an aggressive stance toward Syria's new leaders since Assad's fall, saying it does not want Islamic militants near its borders. Israeli forces earlier seized a U.N.-patrolled buffer zone on Syrian territory along the border with the Golan Heights and have launched hundreds of airstrikes on military sites in Syria. The Trump administration has been pushing for the new Syrian government to move toward normalization with Israel. Syrian officials have acknowledged holding indirect talks with Israel to attempt to defuse tensions, but have not responded to reports that the two sides have also held direct talks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack told The Associated Press last week that he believes normalizing ties will happen 'like unwrapping an onion, slowly.'
Euronews
a day ago
- Politics
- Euronews
At least 30 killed as Syrian government forces clash with militias
At least 30 people have been killed and nearly 100 wounded in fierce clashes between local militias and tribal factions in southern Sweida province, according to Syria's Interior Ministry. The violence, which erupted over the weekend, continued on Monday as government forces deployed to restore order were drawn into confrontations with local armed groups. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, reported a higher toll, stating that at least 50 people had died in the fighting, including two children and six members of the security forces. The unrest began with a series of tit-for-tat kidnappings between members of the Druze religious minority and Sunni Bedouin clans. According to the observatory, hostilities were triggered when Bedouin tribesmen set up a checkpoint, where they allegedly attacked and robbed a young Druze vegetable vendor. That incident sparked retaliatory abductions on both sides. "Some clashes occurred with outlawed armed groups, but our forces are doing their best to prevent any civilian casualties," Interior Ministry spokesperson Noureddine al-Baba told state-run Al-Ikhbariya TV, confirming that security forces entered the city early on Monday. The Interior Ministry called the situation a dangerous escalation, blaming the deterioration in security on 'the absence of relevant official institutions,' which it said had deepened the chaos and hindered the local community's efforts to restore calm. Israel and the Druze minority The Israeli army also said on Monday that it had struck military tanks in southern Syria but gave no further details about the nature of the operation. Israel has previously intervened in Syria in defence of the Druze minority. In May, Israeli forces struck a site near the presidential palace in Damascus, in what was seen as a warning to interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The strike came after dozens were killed in fighting between pro-government gunmen and Druze fighters earlier this year in the town of Sahnaya and the Druze-majority Damascus suburb of Jaramana. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a statement at the time that Israel 'will not allow the deployment of (Syrian government) forces south of Damascus or any threat to the Druze community.' In Israel, Druze are seen as a loyal minority and often serve in the armed forces. The Druze — an esoteric group that split from Ismaili Shi'ism in the 10th century — are concentrated in Sweida and in certain Damascus suburbs such as Jaramana and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya. During Syria's 14-year civil war, Druze factions formed their own militias and have remained largely self-governed. Since the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime, the Druze have been divided on whether to reconcile with the new government in Damascus. Earlier this year, some Druze groups clashed with security forces aligned with the current authorities. The Syrian Observatory claimed that government forces had sided with the Bedouins in some confrontations, further complicating an already volatile local power dynamic.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
Israel strikes southern Syria tanks amid Druze-government clashes
The clashes in Syria initially broke out between armed groups from the Druze and Sunni Bedouin clans, the observatory said, with some members of the government security forces 'actively participating' in support of the Bedouins read more Syrian government security forces sit on their armored vehicle at Busra al-Harir village in Daraa, as they prepare to enter Sweida province where clashes erupted between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin clans, southern Syria. AP Israel's army announced Monday that it had attacked military tanks in southern Syria, as government forces and Bedouin tribes fought with Druze militias in the latest escalation in the Middle Eastern country battling for peace following a 13-year civil war. In Syria's Sweida region, fighting between local militias and tribes has claimed the lives of several dozen people. Government security troops dispatched to restore order on Monday fought with local armed groups. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to Syria's Interior Ministry, at than 30 people have been killed and almost 100 injured. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor headquartered in the United Kingdom, recorded at least 89 deaths, including two children, two women, and 14 security forces members. The clashes in Syria initially broke out between armed groups from the Druze and Sunni Bedouin clans, the observatory said, with some members of the government security forces 'actively participating' in support of the Bedouins. Syrian Interior Ministry spokesperson Noureddine al-Baba said government forces entered Sweida in the early morning to restore order. 'Some clashes occurred with outlawed armed groups, but our forces are doing their best to prevent any civilian casualties,' he told the state-run Al-Ikhbariya TV. The observatory said the clashes started after a series of kidnappings between both groups, which began when members of a Bedouin tribe in the area set up a checkpoint where they attacked and robbed a young Druze man. Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the observatory, said the conflict started with the kidnapping and robbery of a Druze vegetable seller, leading to tit-for-tat attacks and kidnappings. Syria's defense and interior ministries were deploying personnel to the area to attempt to restore order. The Interior Ministry described the situation as a dangerous escalation that 'comes in the absence of the relevant official institutions, which has led to an exacerbation of the state of chaos, the deterioration of the security situation, and the inability of the local community to contain the situation despite repeated calls for calm.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD UN Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Najat Rochdi expressed 'deep concern' over the violence and urged the government and local groups to 'take immediate steps to protect civilians, restore calm, and prevent incitement.' She said in a statement the clashes underscored the 'urgent need for genuine inclusion, trust-building, and meaningful dialogue to advance a credible and inclusive political transition in Syria.' In Israel, Druze are seen as a loyal minority and often serve in the armed forces. Syria's Foreign Ministry called for 'all countries and organizations to respect the authority of the Syrian Arab Republic and refrain from supporting any separatist rebel movements.' In a statement, it called for Syrians to 'cease acts of violence, surrender illegal weapons and thwart those seeking to dismantle the Syrian social fabric and sow discord and division.' Israel sees Druze as a loyal minority Israel has previously intervened in Syria in defense of the Druze religious minority. In May, Israeli forces struck a site near the presidential palace in Damascus, in what was seen as a warning to Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The strike came after dozens were killed in fighting between pro-government gunmen and Druze fighters earlier this year in the town of Sahnaya and the Druze-majority Damascus suburb of Jaramana. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement at the time that Israel 'will not allow the deployment of (Syrian government) forces south of Damascus or any threat to the Druze community.' Over half of the roughly 1 million Druze worldwide live in Syria. Most other Druze live in Lebanon and Israel, including in the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 Mideast War and annexed in 1981. While many Druze in Syria have said they do not want Israel to intervene on their behalf, factions from the Druze minority have also been suspicious of the new authorities in Damascus after former President Bashar Assad fled the country in December during a rebel offensive led by Sunni Islamist insurgent groups. On several occasions, Druze groups have clashed with security forces from the new government or allied factions. A group led by Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, a Druze spiritual leader who has been opposed to the new government in Damascus, on Monday issued a statement calling for 'international protection' and accused government forces and General Security agency of 'supporting takfiri gangs' — using a term for extremist Sunni militants. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Like unwrapping an onion' The Druze religious sect is a minority group that began as a 10th-century offshoot of Ismailism, a branch of Shiite Islam. In Syria, they largely live in the southern Sweida province and some suburbs of Damascus, mainly in Jaramana and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya to the south. The Druze developed their own militias during the country's nearly 14-year civil war, during which they sometimes faced attacks by the Islamic State and other militant groups. Israel has taken an aggressive stance toward Syria's new leaders since Assad's fall, saying it does not want Islamic militants near its borders. Israeli forces earlier seized a UN-patrolled buffer zone on Syrian territory along the border with the Golan Heights and have launched hundreds of airstrikes on military sites in Syria. The Trump administration has been pushing for the new Syrian government to move toward normalization with Israel. Syrian officials have acknowledged holding indirect talks with Israel to attempt to defuse tensions, but have not responded to reports that the two sides have also held direct talks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack told The Associated Press last week that he believes normalizing ties will happen 'like unwrapping an onion, slowly.'
New York Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Israel strikes military tanks in southern Syria as fighting intensifies
BUSRA AL-HARIR, Syria — Israel's army said Monday it has struck military tanks in southern Syria, where government forces and Bedouin tribes clashed with Druze militias. Dozens of people have been killed in the fighting between local militias and clans in Syria's Sweida province. Government security forces that were sent to restore order Monday also clashed with local armed groups. 4 Syrian security forces firing a weapon from a pickup truck. AFP via Getty Images Syria's Interior Ministry has said more than 30 people have died and nearly 100 others have been injured. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a U.K.-based war monitor, reported at least 89 dead, including two children, two women and 14 members of the security forces. The clashes in Syria initially broke out between armed groups from the Druze and Sunni Bedouin clans, the observatory said, with some members of the government security forces 'actively participating' in support of the Bedouins. Interior Ministry spokesperson Noureddine al-Baba said government forces entered Sweida in the early morning to restore order. 'Some clashes occurred with outlawed armed groups, but our forces are doing their best to prevent any civilian casualties,' he told the state-run Al-Ikhbariya TV. The observatory said the clashes started after a series of kidnappings between both groups, which began when members of a Bedouin tribe in the area set up a checkpoint where they attacked and robbed a young Druze man. 4 Interior Ministry spokesperson Noureddine al-Baba said government forces entered Sweida in the early morning to restore order. AFP via Getty Images Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the observatory, said the conflict started with the kidnapping and robbery of a Druze vegetable seller, leading to tit-for-tat attacks and kidnappings. Syria's defense and interior ministries were deploying personnel to the area to attempt to restore order. The Interior Ministry described the situation as a dangerous escalation that 'comes in the absence of the relevant official institutions, which has led to an exacerbation of the state of chaos, the deterioration of the security situation, and the inability of the local community to contain the situation despite repeated calls for calm.' U.N. Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Najat Rochdi expressed 'deep concern' over the violence and urged the government and local groups to 'take immediate steps to protect civilians, restore calm, and prevent incitement.' She said in a statement the clashes underscored the 'urgent need for genuine inclusion, trust-building, and meaningful dialogue to advance a credible and inclusive political transition in Syria.' 4 Syria's defense and interior ministries were deploying personnel to the area to attempt to restore order. Getty Images In Israel, Druze are seen as a loyal minority and often serve in the armed forces. Syria's Foreign Ministry called for 'all countries and organizations to respect the authority of the Syrian Arab Republic and refrain from supporting any separatist rebel movements.' In a statement, it called for Syrians to 'cease acts of violence, surrender illegal weapons and thwart those seeking to dismantle the Syrian social fabric and sow discord and division.' Israel sees Druze as a loyal minority Israel has previously intervened in Syria in defense of the Druze religious minority. In May, Israeli forces struck a site near the presidential palace in Damascus, in what was seen as a warning to Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The strike came after dozens were killed in fighting between pro-government gunmen and Druze fighters earlier this year in the town of Sahnaya and the Druze-majority Damascus suburb of Jaramana. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement at the time that Israel 'will not allow the deployment of (Syrian government) forces south of Damascus or any threat to the Druze community.' Over half of the roughly 1 million Druze worldwide live in Syria. Most other Druze live in Lebanon and Israel, including in the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 Mideast War and annexed in 1981. While many Druze in Syria have said they do not want Israel to intervene on their behalf, factions from the Druze minority have also been suspicious of the new authorities in Damascus after former President Bashar Assad fled the country in December during a rebel offensive led by Sunni Islamist insurgent groups. On several occasions, Druze groups have clashed with security forces from the new government or allied factions. 4 Over half of the roughly 1 million Druze worldwide live in Syria. AFP via Getty Images A group led by Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, a Druze spiritual leader who has been opposed to the new government in Damascus, on Monday issued a statement calling for 'international protection' and accused government forces and General Security agency of 'supporting takfiri gangs' – using a term for extremist Sunni terrorists. 'Like unwrapping an onion' The Druze religious sect is a minority group that began as a 10th-century offshoot of Ismailism, a branch of Shiite Islam. In Syria, they largely live in the southern Sweida province and some suburbs of Damascus, mainly in Jaramana and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya to the south. The Druze developed their own militias during the country's nearly 14-year civil war, during which they sometimes faced attacks by the Islamic State and other Islamist terror groups. Every morning, the NY POSTcast offers a deep dive into the headlines with the Post's signature mix of politics, business, pop culture, true crime and everything in between. Subscribe here! Israel has taken an aggressive stance toward Syria's new leaders since Assad's fall, saying it does not want Islamist terrorists near its borders. Israeli forces earlier seized a U.N.-patrolled buffer zone on Syrian territory along the border with the Golan Heights and have launched hundreds of airstrikes on military sites in Syria. The Trump administration has been pushing for the new Syrian government to move toward normalization with Israel. Syrian officials have acknowledged holding indirect talks with Israel to attempt to defuse tensions, but have not responded to reports that the two sides have also held direct talks. U.S. envoy to Syria Tom Barrack told The Associated Press last week that he believes normalizing ties will happen 'like unwrapping an onion, slowly.'
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Israel strikes military tanks in southern Syria as Syrian forces clash with Druze militias
Israel's Army said on Monday (July 14, 2025) it has struck military tanks in southern Syria as Syrian government forces and Bedouin tribes clashed with Druze militias there. Dozens of people have been killed in the fighting between local militias and clans in Syria's Sweida province. Government security forces that were sent to restore order on Monday (July 14, 2025) also clashed with local armed groups. Syria's Interior Ministry has said more than 30 people died and nearly 100 others have been injured in that fighting. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a U.K.-based war monitor, reported at least 64 dead, including two children, a woman and six members of the security forces. The clashes in Syria initially broke out between armed groups from the Druze and Sunni Bedouin clans, the observatory said, with some members of the government security forces 'actively participating' in support of the Bedouins. Interior Ministry spokesperson Noureddine al-Baba said government forces entered Sweida in the early morning to restore order. 'Some clashes occurred with outlawed armed groups, but our forces are doing their best to prevent any civilian casualties,' he told the state-run Al-Ikhbariya TV. The observatory said the clashes started after a series of kidnappings between both groups, which began when members of a Bedouin tribe in the area set up a checkpoint where they attacked and robbed a young Druze man. Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the observatory, said the conflict started with the kidnapping and robbery of a Druze vegetable seller, leading to tit-for-tat attacks and kidnappings. Syria's Defence and Interior Ministries were deploying personnel to the area to attempt to restore order. The Interior Ministry described the situation as a dangerous escalation that 'comes in the absence of the relevant official institutions, which has led to an exacerbation of the state of chaos, the deterioration of the security situation, and the inability of the local community to contain the situation despite repeated calls for calm.' Israel has previously intervened in Syria in defence of the Druze religious minority. In May, Israeli forces struck a site near the presidential palace in Damascus, in what was seen as a warning to Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The strike came after dozens were killed in fighting between pro-government gunmen and Druze fighters earlier this year in the town of Sahnaya and the Druze-majority Damascus suburb of Jaramana. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement at the time that Israel 'will not allow the deployment of (Syrian government) forces south of Damascus or any threat to the Druze community.' Over half of the roughly 1 million Druze worldwide live in Syria. Most other Druze live in Lebanon and Israel, including in the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 Mideast War and annexed in 1981. In Israel, Druze are seen as a loyal minority and often serve in the armed forces.
