Syrian troops set to return to Sweida despite Israeli warnings

Syrian security forces are preparing to redeploy to the Druze-majority city of Sweida in the south of the country after a brief ceasefire collapsed, reigniting clashes with Bedouin tribes, according to the Syrian Interior Ministry.

The government’s move comes during heightened tensions following Israeli airstrikes targeting Syrian forces in Sweida, Damascus, and near the defense ministry.

The initial ceasefire, brokered with U.S. support, had temporarily halted days of violent conflict between Druze and Bedouin factions. However, renewed fighting Thursday night prompted the Syrian government to consider another troop deployment.

Israel has expressed strong opposition to Syria’s Islamist-led leadership, and carried out additional strikes overnight, asserting its intention to protect the Druze community in southern Syria — a stance echoed by Israel’s own Druze minority.

Despite this, the U.S. distanced itself from the Israeli strikes, reiterating support for the ceasefire it helped facilitate.

Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has sought warmer ties with Washington, accused Israel of attempting to divide Syria and vowed to protect the country’s Druze population.

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