SUWEIDA (SYRIA): A total of 594 people have been killed in the recent outbreak of sectarian violence in Suweida province, southern Syria, according to a monitoring group. The violence began on Sunday and has intensified through the week.

Among the dead are 300 members of the Druze community, including 146 fighters and 154 civilians. Of these, 83 civilians were reportedly executed by government forces. At least 257 government personnel and 18 Bedouin fighters were also killed.

In addition, three Bedouin civilians were executed by Druze fighters. The clashes were triggered by a local conflict between Druze and Bedouin communities.

Another 15 government troops were reportedly killed in Israeli airstrikes, which were aimed at forcing Syrian government forces to pull out of Suweida.

Alternative figures have been reported. Security sources put the death toll at 300, while another monitoring group documented at least 169 civilian deaths.

An uneasy calm prevailed on Thursday following the withdrawal of government forces from Suweida. Widespread damage, looting, and bodies left in the streets were reported.

Government troops had entered the city on Monday, officially to restore order, but fighting intensified afterward.
The situation has led to internal divisions within the Druze community.

Some factions have aligned with external forces, while others have backed Syria’s Islamist-led government.
The conflict has displaced hundreds of Bedouin civilians in nearby Deraa province. There is also a significant Druze population in Israel and the occupied Golan Heights.

On Thursday, Israeli airstrikes caused severe damage to Syria’s Ministry of Defense in Damascus and hit areas near the presidential palace, marking a sharp escalation in military operations in Syria.

Syria’s interim government accused Israel of seeking to destabilize the country and undermine efforts to maintain national unity.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting territorial integrity and civil rights in the face of foreign intervention.