ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - There was an uneasy calm Friday morning in Syria’s southern Suwayda province after intense clashes overnight between state-affiliated forces and Druze fighters, according to reports.
“Heavy and medium machineguns and mortars were used during the clashes which lasted until dawn and were concentrated on the frontlines of the towns and villages of” Suwayda province, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) stated, adding that there are unconfirmed reports of casualties on both sides.
Suwayda was in a total blackout overnight on Thursday due to the fighting, according to the war monitor.
Suwayda24, a local outlet that focuses on the Druze-majority province, published video of the clashes and accused government forces of breaching a ceasefire.
The violence underscores continued tensions in Suwayda, where rival armed factions continue to defy local ceasefire efforts despite repeated calls for restraint.
Clashes between Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes erupted in the province in mid-July, escalating with the involvement of Damascus forces and Israel before a ceasefire was announced on July 19. Since then, Syrian security forces have been deployed across the province, while Druze factions remain in control of Suwayda city.
Sporadic clashes broke out across the province on Tuesday.
Late last month, a passenger coach on the Damascus-Suwayda road was fired upon by unidentified gunmen, leading to several casualties.