Tensions between Syria's interim government and local factions in the predominantly Druze province of Suwayda escalated over the weekend following repeated drone attacks on internal security forces, threatening fragile ceasefire arrangements in the southern region.
According to Enab Baladi, local factions in Suwayda renewed attacks on internal security forces affiliated with Syria's Ministry of Interior on Saturday, December 13, targeting a security vehicle with an explosive-laden drone in the town of al-Mazraa in western Suwayda countryside. The attack followed a similar strike on Friday evening, marking the second assault within 24 hours. Qutaiba Azzam, head of the Public Relations Office in Suwayda Governorate, confirmed to the outlet that no security personnel were injured in the incidents.
State-run al-Ikhbariya channel quoted a security source describing the attackers as "rebel gangs" and characterizing the drone strikes as repeated breaches of the Suwayda ceasefire agreement. The source warned that security forces would respond firmly to any future violations.
The escalation comes amid mutual accusations between both sides. The National Guard, a local faction backed by Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, issued a statement on Friday accusing Syrian government forces of targeting civilians in al-Majdal with sniper fire. According to the group, one civilian was seriously wounded, requiring doctors to amputate his hand. The faction described the incident as "hostile, resentful, and terrorist" behavior threatening regional stability.
Jordan is currently leading mediation efforts, coordinated with the United States, to resolve the ongoing crisis. A Jordanian source told Lebanese newspaper al-Modon that diplomatic visits between Syrian parties and Amman are ongoing, with current efforts focused on building confidence between Damascus and Sheikh al-Hijri.
"The distance between Damascus and Suwayda is still wide, but what is certain is that mediation will succeed, especially since Washington is engaged in it," the source stated.
The mediation is based on a road map announced in September following a trilateral meeting in Damascus between Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, and U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack. The agreement outlined measures including international investigations into violations, humanitarian aid delivery, police deployment along key routes, and reconciliation meetings with local communities.
Meanwhile, Mowafaq Tarif, spiritual leader of Israel's Druze community, urged Washington to protect Syrian minorities' rights, arguing that American support would render Israeli intervention in southern Syria unnecessary.
Background
Suwayda province, located in southern Syria bordering Jordan, is home to Syria's largest Druze population, a religious minority with communities spanning Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. Since the fall of the Assad regime and the establishment of Syria's interim government, clashes have repeatedly erupted between local Druze factions seeking autonomy and central authorities in Damascus.
The Druze community's cross-border ties, particularly with Israeli Druze who serve in the Israeli military, have created a complex dynamic. Israel has maintained interest in protecting Druze populations near its borders, with some analysts viewing the region as a potential flashpoint for broader regional intervention should violence escalate further.
Photo: Enab Baladi