A wave of deadly violence in southern Syria has resulted in the deaths of at least 594 people, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).
The fighting erupted in Suweida province, home to many Druze, and quickly escalated into a sectarian conflict involving government forces, local Druze fighters, and Bedouin tribes.
SOHR reported that 300 Druze individuals were killed, including both fighters and civilians.
Among the civilians, 83 were allegedly executed by government troops. In addition, 257 government forces and 18 Bedouin fighters lost their lives.
Three Bedouin civilians were also killed, reportedly by Druze fighters.
The violence began after tensions flared between Druze and Bedouin communities.
Israeli air strikes further inflamed the situation, targeting government positions and reportedly killing 15 Syrian personnel.
Israel claimed its involvement was aimed at protecting the Druze population and stopping Syrian troops from advancing into southern regions.
By Thursday, most Syrian government forces had withdrawn from Suweida following the announcement of a ceasefire.
Despite this, residents reported scenes of destruction, looting, and bodies left in the streets.
The conflict has also caused widespread displacement, especially among Bedouin families who have fled to nearby Deraa province.
Factions within the Druze community appear divided. One prominent Druze religious leader rejected the ceasefire and called for continued resistance against what he described as occupying government forces.
Meanwhile, Israel has said it will continue to prevent the Syrian army from returning to the region, reiterating its stance through air strikes that recently hit key locations in Damascus, including near the presidential palace.
Syria’s interim leadership condemned the Israeli attacks, accusing Israel of seeking to destabilize the country after the fall of the former regime.
The government vowed to maintain unity and promised to protect all communities, including the Druze.