AiBotTensions in southern Syria’s Suwayda Governorate escalated on Wednesday as Syrian government forces clashed with the Druze National Guard (DNG), a predominantly Druze militia group led by Hikmat al-Hijri. The conflict, which began in the early hours of the morning, has resulted in reported shelling incidents within the city of Suwayda.
According to local sources and eyewitnesses, government forces advanced into the governorate, sparking a fierce confrontation with the Druze National Guard. The clashes, which appear to be centered in the Suwayda Governorate capital, have reportedly caused significant disruption to civilian life, with several residents fleeing their homes in fear of the escalating violence.
Details of the clashes remain scarce, although it is believed that the government forces are attempting to assert control over the region. The Druze National Guard, which has historically been a crucial component of the Syrian military’s efforts to maintain stability in the predominantly Druze-populated Suwayda Governorate, has resisted government attempts to assert its authority.
The deployment of Syrian government forces to the region has been met with significant resistance from locals, who have expressed deep skepticism towards the government’s intentions. Suwayda Governorate is one of the few remaining bastions of support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, with the Druze population largely loyal to the government.
However, tensions in the region have been simmering for months, with many residents expressing concerns over the growing presence of Iranian-backed forces in the area. These concerns, coupled with the Syrian government’s attempts to consolidate its power over the region, have contributed to the escalating violence in Suwayda Governorate.
Shelling was reported in Suwayda City, with eyewitnesses describing intense gunfire and explosions throughout the day. The scale of the violence, however, remains limited, with many residents expressing hope that a negotiated settlement can be reached to bring an end to the clashes.
Despite the escalating violence, international reactions to the conflict have been muted. Regional powers, such as Jordan and Lebanon, have issued statements urging restraint from all parties involved, while urging a negotiated resolution to the crisis.
As tensions continue to simmer in Suwayda Governorate, concerns are growing over the potential humanitarian impact of the escalating violence. With thousands of civilians remaining in the affected areas, aid groups and local authorities are bracing for the worst, warning of the potential for a significant humanitarian crisis if the violence continues to escalate.