Sectarian violence has erupted again in southern Syria, leaving at least 160 people dead. The clashes involve local Sunni Bedouin tribes against armed factions for the Druze religious community.
Israeli airstrikes have been launched to protect the Druze community, which Israel claims is under threat from the Syrian government. The government’s defense minister has announced a ceasefire, but fighting resumed after the leader of the Druze community issued a statement accusing the government of continuing “indiscriminate shelling” of civilians.
Rights groups have accused government forces of sectarian violence against civilians in minority-dominated areas. In recent days, pro-government factions have been involved in several bouts of sectarian violence, prompting fears among minority communities.
The clashes reflect a longer grievance among Druze factions who refuse to surrender their areas to the government. The Syrian government has sought to reassure minority communities that it has abandoned its hard-line past, but the situation remains volatile.
Source: https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2025-07-15/syria-druze-israel