Commentary on the conflict in southern Syria for ČT 24

Date of Publication: 25 July 2025

On 18 July 2025, Filip Sommer, Director of the Prague Center for Middle East Relations (PCMR) of CEVRO University, commented on current events in southern Syria, in the context of recent clashes between Bedouin tribes and Druze militias, which later involved the armed forces of the Syrian Interim Government and Israel. This local conflict later spilled over into the national arena, with Israel’s heavy shelling of Syrian Interim Government positions.

The specific output for ČT24 on Friday 18 July (from 1:22:23) can be found here.

Background

Clashes between Bedouin tribes and Druze militias began after a localized conflict as early as on 11 July 2025 in Suwayda province in southern Syria. A few days later, the military forces of the Syrian interim government joined the conflict, arguing that they were going to “restore order” in the area. However, the Druze objected to this involvement, criticizing that the Syrian government wanted to take over Damascus (note: prior to the conflict, there were no armed forces of the Syrian Interim Government in Suwayda).

In response, Israel began shelling government positions (first armed vehicles and tanks and then the Syrian Ministry of Defence itself, located in Umayyad Square in Damascus.

As part of the de-escalation process, there were attempts to secure a ceasefire, most of which were rejected by the Druze side, specifically Hikmat al-Hijri. It was not until 16 July 2025 that a final ceasefire was then signed, mediated by the Gulf States, Turkey and the US.

The conflict has claimed over 1,000 victims. A number of Sunni Bedouins were forced to leave Suwayda province, which subsequently led to further escalations as they attempted to “recapture” lost territory towards the Druze militias.

This is a developing story…