At least 2 killed in escalating Druze-Bedouin clashes in Syria's Sweida

DAMASCUS, July 13 (Xinhua) -- At least two people were killed and 22 others wounded in fierce clashes between members of the local Druze community and Bedouin tribes in the southern province of Sweida on Sunday, amid escalating violence triggered by recent tit-for-tat abductions, a war monitor reported.

The clashes are taking place in the eastern al-Muqawwas neighborhood in Sweida, said Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. It said the death toll is expected to rise, with four people reported in critical condition.

Security forces closed the Damascus-Sweida highway near the al-Masmiyah checkpoint on Saturday to ensure civilian safety, as tensions flared following days of mounting hostility between armed men from both sides in the area.

The latest bout of violence was reportedly triggered by the assault of a young Druze man earlier in the week. Armed men from Bedouin tribes allegedly set up a temporary checkpoint near al-Masmiyah, intercepted the youth, physically assaulted and robbed him, then released him in critical condition in a remote area.

In retaliation, Druze fighters detained several members of tribal groups, prompting further escalation.

Heavy gunfire and the sound of shelling echoed through the city on Saturday, forcing many residents indoors and prompting urgent calls from community leaders for intervention to de-escalate the situation.

Community elders are currently leading mediation efforts aimed at releasing detainees from both sides and restoring calm. However, the situation remains tense, with no official intervention announced yet.

Meanwhile, the Lebanon-based private Syrian Sham TV reported a higher death toll, saying at least six people were killed, including a child, and more than 20 were injured in the ongoing clashes -- figures yet to be confirmed by independent sources.

Recurring incidents of kidnapping and armed assault have plagued the vital road linking Sweida to Damascus in recent months. Locals blame the deteriorating security situation and the absence of state control over armed factions for the violence. Enditem