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**Syrian Army Deployed to Sweida After Deadly Clashes Between Bedouins and Druze**
SWEIDA, Syria – The Syrian government has deployed troops to the southern city of Sweida following deadly clashes between Bedouin tribes and local Druze fighters on Sunday. The fighting, the worst outbreak of violence in the region since April and May, has reportedly left at least seven dead, including a child, and dozens wounded.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least six Druze and two Bedouins were killed. Local media outlet Sweida 24 reported a preliminary count of seven fatalities and approximately 32 injuries resulting from armed clashes and shelling in the Maqus neighborhood, located east of Sweida city. The violence has also led to the closure of the vital Damascus-Sweida highway.
A government source, speaking anonymously to AFP, confirmed the deployment of soldiers aimed at de-escalating the situation. Sweida Governor Mustapha al-Bakour urged residents to “exercise self-restraint” and heed national calls for reform.
Longstanding tensions between Bedouin and Druze communities in Sweida have occasionally erupted into violence. This latest incident comes amidst broader concerns regarding security and the rights of minorities in Syria following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad in December.
In April and May, clashes between government forces and Druze fighters resulted in numerous casualties. Attempts were made by local leaders and religious figures to quell the unrest and better integrate Druze fighters into the new government. The situation remains tense as authorities work to restore order and prevent further escalation.
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