In July, there was significant sectarian violence in Syria’s southern Sweida province. The Sbeih family describes being taken by Druze gunmen and held with other Bedouin tribe members in a school. After three nights, when their guards disappeared, they attempted to escape. Gunfire erupted, causing chaos and separation among the Bedouins. Tragically, during this chaos, three family members were killed, including their 20-year-old daughter, Malak, who was supposed to get married the next day.
Faisal Sbeih, the father, accused militias loyal to Druze cleric Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajari of driving the Sunni Muslim community out of Sweida, a sentiment shared by many displaced Bedouins. Faisal noted that before the violence, the Bedouins and Druze lived peacefully together, sharing local resources. Now, he felt hostility from the Druze community, stating that they no longer wanted any Bedouins around.
Video evidence supports parts of Faisal’s story, showing Bedouin families at a Druze property during their captivity. The Sbeih family, now displaced, is living in Nawa village, working for a farmer who provided them with a tent. They are among tens of thousands forced from their homes during a week of violence that severely disrupted the long-standing coexistence between the two groups. More than 1,000 people, mostly Druze, were reported killed in this violence.
The recent hostilities have been some of the worst in Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Both communities are now filled with fear and resentment, leading to little hope for the Bedouins’ safe return to Sweida, which has a Druze majority. Druze leaders claimed they tried to protect Bedouin families and denied any plans to evict them. However, a militia commander stated that the return of Bedouins is currently unacceptable due to their alleged involvement in violence against Druze.
Tarek al-Maghoush, a militia leader, described Bedouins as harmful to Sweida and accused them of exacerbating the violence. He claimed the Druze forces provided shelter to Bedouins and facilitated the evacuation of around 2,000 people after a U. S.-backed truce. He also refuted allegations that Druze militias attacked Bedouin civilians, emphasizing the chaotic fighting between groups.
In response to the situation, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajari stated that attacks against Bedouins were forbidden and acknowledged them as part of their social community. His office implied that the departure of Bedouins might be due to their involvement in the violence. The Syrian Information Ministry dismissed claims of genocide in Sweida, claiming all sides were responsible for abuses and asserting that fears were heightened by Druze attacks on Bedouin areas.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has promised to protect the Druze, announced a plan to address the violence and military actions taken against those suspected of abuse. However, a group aligned with Hajari rejected the government’s proposed roadmap, insisting on demands for self-determination.
The Druze religion, an offshoot of Islam, comprises about 1 million people, or 3% of Syria’s population. Tensions have periodically risen, especially recently, after a Druze merchant was kidnapped, which led to escalated violence and retaliations. The situation escalated further when government forces clashed with Druze militias while attempting to restore peace.
The Sbeih family’s ordeal highlights the dire situation, as they witnessed violence in their neighborhood and initially sought refuge with Druze who had previously offered help. However, allegiance shifted when militia leaders took control, leading to their eventual captivity. Some video recordings from the events confirmed the Bedouins’ experiences and revealed threats made against them. Eventually, the families were transported to a school, where they were detained under armed watch until July 19.
People in two video clips share similar features and clothing. Nasri identifies himself, his father, and Faisal’s daughter, Malak, in one of the clips. Reuters tried to contact a militia leader and a sheikh for comments, but could not confirm their identities and received no replies.
The Druze commander, Maghoush, mentioned that the sheikh had advised Bedouins to leave for their safety and stressed that their words should not be considered threats. He acknowledged the ongoing violence but suggested that extreme words do not represent the overall situation. In July, Syria’s government estimated that about 150,000 Druze and 70,000 Bedouins were displaced, with most Druze staying in Sweida while Bedouins sought refuge elsewhere.
Displaced Bedouin lawyer Mustafa al-Umayri claims nearly all of Sweida’s Bedouin population, which he estimates at over 120,000, has left. In contrast, Druze researcher Mazen Ezzi states that there are around 35,000 Bedouin in Sweida, with 25,000 having left. Druze fighters currently control many areas in Sweida, while tensions remain high, with both sides reporting destroyed homes and accusations of prisoner holding.
The U. S. State Department continues to support discussions for aid access and restoring services but the two communities disagree over the sheikh’s call for independence. Syria’s Information Ministry argues that the safety of both groups relies on the government regaining control, which Umayri supports. Hajari’s refusal to engage with the government complicates conflict resolution, as Hajari’s office criticizes the government for its ideology.
There are deep scars from the violence, with residents doubting peaceful coexistence. Some Druze claimed that Bedouin fighters burned their homes, and individuals like Faisal recount personal losses, including the death of family members, expressing disbelief at their changed circumstances and questioning how they could return to a life that has been destroyed.
With information from Reuters