July 11 July The violence was reportedly triggered by a robbery that happened on 11 July 2025 on the Damascus–Suwayda highway, in which a Druze vegetable merchant was assaulted by members of
Bedouin tribes after they set up an improvised
roadblock. The assailants stole his vehicle and belongings before forcibly taking him to a remote and rugged area. There, the group subjected him to sectarian insults and repeated death threats throughout his detention. He was later released blindfolded and in critical condition in a distant town. In response, local Druze armed groups detained several individuals from Bedouin tribes the next day in an effort to recover the stolen property. This initiated a cycle of retaliatory kidnappings between the two sides, which quickly escalated into open armed clashes.
13 July Bedouin fighters responded by establishing a checkpoint in the al-Maqwas neighborhood in eastern
Suwayda city on 13 July, where they captured several members of the local Druze armed groups. Armed clashes soon erupted between the two sides in and around the area. Syrian government checkpoints came under attack by Bedouin fighters, leading to reported clashes between the assailants and government security forces in various parts of the region. Reinforcements from
Daraa Governorate arrived to the area to assist the Bedouin fighters. Most residents of the village were displaced toward al-Mazraa and Suwayda amidst the violent clashes, during which several homes were set on fire. Meanwhile, Syrian government forces from the
Ministry of Interior were dispatched to contain the fighting. On the evening of 13 July, the
Ministry of Education postponed the high school final exams originally scheduled for 14 July to a later date due to escalating security tensions in the region.
14 July Several videos circulated on social media showed a vehicle belonging to the
General Security Service, with an individual inside making sectarian remarks while declaring his involvement in the armed conflict in Suwayda. In response, the Security Forces Command in Daraa announced on 14 July the arrest of several security personnel who appeared in the video and said in a statement that the individuals acted independently and were not authorized to speak on matters related to civil peace. The officers involved were suspended from duty, and a formal investigation into the incident was launched. On 14 July, the spiritual leadership of the Druze community in Syria headed by
Hikmat al-Hijri issued a statement saying it is reaffirmed its previous demands, foremost among them an urgent call for international protection, citing the increasingly dangerous situation in Suwayda. The statement reiterated the leadership's rejection of any security forces entering their areas—specifically naming the General Security Service and another unnamed agency—accusing them of crossing into the province under the pretext of providing protection while allegedly shelling border villages and supporting extremist groups with heavy weaponry and drones. The spiritual leadership held all parties involved in attacks on local areas and civilians fully responsible, condemning any attempts to impose official security control over Suwayda as a direct threat to the safety of its residents. The statement concluded by emphasizing that international protection is an urgent necessity to prevent further bloodshed, calling on relevant international actors to intervene immediately. The Syrian Ministry of Interior declared that its forces, in coordination with the
Ministry of Defense, would begin a direct intervention in the region. The objective is to end the ongoing clashes, restore security, pursue those responsible for the violence, and bring them before the relevant judicial authorities. The ministry emphasized that this intervention aims to prevent further unrest and re-establish the rule of law in Suwayda. Several Syrian army personnel were killed and others injured while deployed to de-escalate clashes in Suwayda after coming under attack by armed groups. The Ministry of Interior later reported that several of its security personnel were "abducted" while carrying out a security deployment aimed at restoring order and containing the clashes in the al-Maqwas neighborhood. Shelling was reported in the neighboring
Daraa Governorate, in which four civilians were wounded by a Druze group from the town of Tha'la and among the villages controlled by Druze groups. The
Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that it obtained multiple video and voice recordings from the clashes that it would refrain from publishing due to its highly sensitive nature. The recordings reportedly contain elements that could undermine Syria's national cohesion, inflame sectarian tensions, and further incite discord among citizens.
Israeli Air Force fighter jets were reported to have conducted low-altitude flights over the western countryside of Suwayda, deploying
flares during their intensified aerial presence in the area. The Israeli Army later announced that it had struck multiple tanks belonging to the Syrian Army in Suwayda Governorate. Israeli defense minister
Israel Katz said the strike was "a message and a clear warning to the Syrian regime. We will not allow harm to the Druze in Syria". The
Syrian Arab News Agency reported a total of three Israeli strikes.
15 July The Syrian Minister of Defence announced that a ceasefire had been reached with Druze spiritual leadership, including
Hikmat al-Hijri, for state security forces to deploy in the region with the aim of stopping the ongoing violence. They urged all armed factions in the area to cooperate and surrender their weapons. However, later that day, Sheikh
Hikmat al-Hijri released a video urging Druze fighters to "resist this brutal campaign by all available means", including women, children, and elderly fighting, accusing government forces of violating the ceasefire by shelling Suwayda city. The
Syrian Observatory for Human Rights accused government and government-aligned forces of summary executions of 19 Druze civilians, including 12 in one house. Protests erupted on several main roads in northern Israel as members of the
Druze community demonstrated in solidarity with
Druze in Syria. The protesters called for international intervention to safeguard Syria's Druze minority from "Islamist fighters loyal to the regime". Israel conducted further strikes in al-Mazraa after the
Syrian Armed Forces took control of the town. Strikes were also reported on the outskirts of
Suwayda. Intensive airstrikes continued across Suwayda following the announcement of a ceasefire. The airstrikes targeted military equipment and convoys of the Syrian armed forces. The airstrikes targeted military convoys, one Syrian army convoy was struck in Suwayda resulting in at least one casualty. At least two Israeli strikes were reported targeting locations near the 12th Brigade in the northeastern countryside of
Izra in
Daraa Governorate. Dozens of Israeli Druze civilians were reported to have crossed the fence from the
Israeli-occupied Golan Heights at Hader, near
Majdal Shams, towards the Syrian side. The IDF said that its troops were "working to safely return the civilians who crossed the border".
Men of Dignity confirmed the casualties and injuries of more than 50 militants of their faction amidst clashes with the
Syrian Armed Forces. In the early hours of 16 July, the Israeli Air Force executed at least 7 airstrikes against multiple targets in Suwayda's countryside, including on the
al-Tha'lah Military Airbase. Sheikh
Hikmat al-Hijri issued a statement, in which he appealed to U.S. President
Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu, Saudi Crown Prince
Mohammed bin Salman, and Jordan's King
Abdullah II to save Suwayda, stating that "the mask has fallen off the face of the ruling clique" and declaring, "we can no longer live with a regime that knows nothing of governance except iron and fire". He held the international community morally and ethically responsible and called on Sunni Syrians to take a clear stand regarding what is happening to their Syrian brethren. The Syrian presidency issued a statement in which it condemned the recent violations in Suwayda Governorate, labeling the incidents as criminal and unacceptable under any circumstances. The statement emphasized that such actions contradict the core principles upon which the Syrian state is built and pledged full commitment to investigating all related incidents and holding those responsible accountable. The presidency stressed that individuals or groups involved—regardless of affiliation—would face legal consequences, asserting that no violations will go unpunished. Reaffirming the state's priority of ensuring national security and stability, the statement concluded with an assurance to the people of Suwayda that their rights will be safeguarded and that no party will be allowed to undermine their safety or stability. Israel later renewed its bombing of the entrance of the Syrian General Staff complex in Damascus for a third time followed by another one directly on the main building. Israeli Defense Minister
Israel Katz declared that the era of mere warnings in Damascus has ended, stating that "painful blows" will now be delivered to the Syrian government. Katz emphasized that the IDF will persistently and forcefully act in Suwayda to dismantle the forces responsible for attacking the Druze community until they fully withdraw. Addressing the Druze community in Israel, he reassured them that they can rely on the Israel Defense Forces for protection of their brethren in Syria, affirming that both he and Prime Minister Netanyahu have made a firm commitment to uphold this promise. The Israeli military announced an airstrike on the entrance to the
Syrian General Staff complex in Damascus, noting that it "continues to monitor developments against Druze civilians in southern Syria and launches attacks based on political directives". The Syrian
Ministry of Health reported three killed and 34 injured as a result of the attacks. Multiple additional Israeli strikes were reported in
Daraa and
Suwayda Governorates. Renewed Israeli airstrikes were reported near
Qatana in
Rif Dimashq Governorate. Syria's foreign ministry said that Israel's "flagrant assault, which forms part of a deliberate policy pursued by the Israeli entity to inflame tensions, spread chaos, and undermine security and stability in Syria, constitutes a blatant violation of the United Nations Charter and international humanitarian law". Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri issued a statement in which he denied the existence of any agreement, negotiation, or mandate involving what he referred to as "armed gangs falsely calling themselves a government". Addressing the people and "our heroic youth defending land, honor, and religion", the statement praised what it described as the "spirit of heroism and dignity" and urged continued resistance against "criminal armed terrorist gangs" which he accused of committing murder, theft, looting, and burning of homes, hospitals, and places of worship. The statement stressed the importance of continuing "legitimate defense", calling for the fight to continue "until the full liberation of Suwayda Governorate from these gangs without condition", framing it as a national, humanitarian, and moral duty that allows no compromise. Al-Hijri also called on "the remaining" opposing armed individuals to surrender, promising that those who do will be under the protection of the spiritual leadership and "will not be humiliated or abused". Al-Hijri warned that "any individual or entity engaging in unilateral communication or agreement" with these "armed groups" would face legal and social accountability "without exception or leniency". According to the
White Helmets, the director of the Emergency Response Center in Suwayda was kidnapped by local militants while he was in Suwayda providing humanitarian aid. His fate remains unknown. Demonstrations took place in the Druze-majority city of
Jaramana in the Rif Dimashq Governorate, with protestors chanting slogans against president
Ahmed al-Sharaa and his government. In the evening of 16 July, the
Syrian army began withdrawing from Suwayda. A statement by the Syrian Ministry of Defense said the withdrawal came after the army had completed operations against "outlaw groups" in the city. State news agency
SANA reported the pullout was in line with the deal reached between the government and Druze religious leaders. The head of one of the Bedouin neighborhoods in the city of Sweida stated that the neighborhood was attacked by an armed group from
Al-Ariqah town whose inhabitants are Druze and he added that the group killed 25 people and wounded others, he stated that he witnessed the killing of a woman and an infant and held the Syrian army responsible for what happened to them because the army withdrew from the city, which led to the Bedouins in the city and countryside being exposed to several attacks that led to the killing, wounding and kidnapping of hundreds of Bedouins.
17 July The
Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the total death toll, as a result of fighting since 13 July, had risen to 516. The Observatory also reported the displacement of Arab Bedouins in several areas within the Suwayda Governorate. In one instance, local factions gave members of Bedouin tribes until the afternoon to leave the al-Maqwas neighbourhood of Suwayda city. The director of the
Syrian Network for Human Rights told
The New Arab newspaper that dozens of Bedouin tribesmen were killed in Suwayda Governorate by armed groups affiliated with Sheikh
Hikmat al-Hijri and added that the number of total deaths from all sides could reach 250. A massacre of Bedouins was later reported in that neighbourhood by the Syrian state-run news agency
SANA.
Syria TV channel reported testimonies from Bedouin women stating that Druze militias burned houses, killed young men, and forced women and children to leave. The women said they had not taken part in any fighting to deserve such treatment. The
Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that 169 people had been killed and over 200 injured between 13 and 17 July. Following the withdrawal of the Syrian army, Druze fighters reportedly discovered entire houses had been set on fire, families slaughtered inside homes, and looting. A Bedouin commander told
Reuters that the ceasefire agreement did not bind his men, but only the forces of President Ahmed al-Shara's administration. According to the commander, his forces are aiming to free the Bedouins who were detained in recent days by the Druze fighters. Clashes between Bedouin and Druze fighters were also reported in the western countryside of
Rif Dimashq Governorate. The Syrian presidency accused Druze factions of breaking the ceasefire agreement by their involvement in "horrific" violence against civilians. Syrian state media reported Israeli airstrikes near
Suwayda, which were the first reported strikes after the ceasefire agreement.
Al Jazeera Arabic reported that gunmen were holding 1,000 civilians from the Suwayda tribes in the town of
Shahba, controlled by the
Suwayda Military Council.
Al Jazeera reported that more than 500 families from the tribes were displaced after their homes were burned. Eyewitnesses told
Enab Baladi that Druze factions ordered Bedouins to leave their villages and in one instance fired upon those leaving, killing 20 people. The
Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES) announced the dispatch of emergency humanitarian aid to Suwayda, in response to worsening living conditions and service disruptions. Two
Israeli Druze coming back from Syria to Israel were reportedly arrested after trying to smuggle a
Kalashnikov rifle and magazine back into Israel.
18 July Amid the large-scale attack by Bedouin fighters on Suwayda Governorate and reports of them entering
Suwayda city, backed by fighters from the neighboring Daraa Governorate and other governorates in Syria, Hikmat al-Hijri reportedly demanded the Syrian government to send a conflict resolution force. Reports later circulated that Syrian government forces were preparing to redeploy in the city of Suwayda, following renewed clashes between Druze factions and Bedouin tribes. While an Israeli government related source said that Israel had agreed to a time-limited entry into Suwayda by Syrian government forces, the Syrian Interior Ministry denied that it was preparing to re-enter the city. The
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights' spokesperson highlighted reports of widespread violations and abuses, including summary and extrajudicial killings, kidnappings, destruction of private property, and looting, by individuals affiliated with the Syrian government, including members of security forces, as well as by Druze and Bedouin fighters, noting that local hospitals were struggling to cope with the scale of injured. The
Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the arrival of Bedouin reinforcements and the opening of a new front in Teloul Al-Safa in south-east Syria. The tribal forces also advanced in Al-Omran west of Suwayda. Clashes were reported in
Jaramana as well as in al-Maliha and Kashkoul which lasted for an hour. Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri reiterated his demand for direct international protection for the Druze, claiming that the Bedouins in Syria had violated the agreement. He claimed that the countries that guaranteed the ceasefire agreement must bear responsibility for it in order for it to be implemented. The Syrian government announced that it would deploy a "specialized force" to bring an end to the clashes and resolve the conflict, with the presidency accusing groups operating outside of the law of endangering civilians. The
Taakkad platform for verification published images showing a member of militias affiliated with Hikmat al-Hijri filming himself with two corpses that had been hung at the entrance gate of the village of al-Junaynah.
19 July The Syrian government declared a ceasefire with approval from both the Druze leadership and Bedouin tribes. The Egyptian
Al-Qaira channel reported that the exchange of fire in the Suwayda Governorate has not yet ended, and that Bedouin militants have refused to withdraw from the Druze mountain "as long as the Syrian state does not yet hold the reins of power". Fierce street fighting was documented in the city of Suwayda between Bedouins and Druze.
AFP, which had teams on the ground, reported that the Bedouin militants had managed to break through the Druze defenses and penetrate the west of the city. An AFP correspondent in Suwayda reported seeing dozens of houses and cars set on fire, and gunmen setting shops on fire after looting them.
Jordan increased its presence along
its border with Syria and prevented its Bedouin population from crossing the border. At the same time, Jordan did not respond to calls from Druze in Israel and Syria to open a
humanitarian corridor on its border with Syria on the grounds of unwillingness to cooperate with unofficial elements in Syria, according to a senior Jordanian official. Syrian Interior Ministry spokesman announced that evening after the deployment of security forces in the northern and western areas of Suwayda Governorate, the city of Suwayda was evacuated of all Bedouin tribal fighters and clashes within the city's neighborhoods ceased. Various
Druze from Israel stated their intention of crossing the border to participate if the fighting continued. The UN estimated more than 87,000 people have been displaced in Suwayda Governorate since 12 July due the clashes.
20 July Hikmat al-Hijri refused the entry of a government delegation with aid into Suwayda. The
Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said there were renewed clashes in
al-Ariqah,
Rimat Hazem, and
Shahba after an attack by tribal forces amidst the ceasefire agreement. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported Israeli fighter jets were seen in the airspace of al-Ariqah in Suwayda Governorate,
Nawa in northwestern
Daraa Governorate, and
Khan Arnabah village in
Quneitra Governorate. Thermal balloons were launched onto Suwayda during the airspace violations. A prisoner exchange in the
Umm al-Zaytoun town failed after a shelling from northern Suwayda, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported new clashes in al-Ariqah after tribal forces facilitated their presence in the town despite the presence of the Syrian internal security forces, which raised accusations towards the security forces of aiding the entrance of tribal fighters into al-Ariqah.
21 July The Syrian government began bringing buses to help evacuate roughly 1,500 Bedouins trapped in Suwayda as fighting had mostly stopped. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that nine civilians were injured by a drone attack on the city of
Shahba by Bedouin tribes. Ceasefire violations were reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights after Syrian government reinforcements arrived in northwestern Suwayda governorate. The SOHR said that clashes using kamikaze drones and heavy machine guns broke out in
Umm al-Zaytoun and several areas of Suwayda countryside. A drone targeting the Druze populated areas was reportedly shot down, indicating several violations of the ceasefire.
22 July The Syrian Interior Ministry spokesperson stated that the situation in Suwayda has been improving, though the full restoration of state institutions and their operations will require more time. He emphasized that a humanitarian approach is now prevailing, with aid deliveries underway, the release of hostages and detainees held by armed groups, as well as efforts to exchange and bury the dead — all of which he described as highly significant steps. A security source stated that the ceasefire agreement in Suwayda is being implemented across "most" areas of the governorate, with no violations reported so far. Added that the next step will be establishing a broader truce aimed at restoring stability throughout the region, alongside efforts to carry out detainee exchanges between the two sides. Buses continued evacuating Bedouin families from Suwayda, they were reportedly accompanied by a delegation from the United Nations.
23 July The
Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that calm has prevailed across the various frontlines since 21 July, with only limited violations reported following the agreement that included a ceasefire.
Al Mashhad channel reported a statement from the leader of the
Jubur tribe, in which he said that the al-Hijri militias executed 40 men as if they were a delegation he had presented to the city of Suwayda in order to agree to stop the clashes.
25 July The
Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported ceasefire violations in
Umm al-Zaytoun village and the Mujadal road where heavy machinegun fire was reported. Shelling was also reported in the areas of Reema Hazem and in
Walgha in western Suwayda. Tensions persisted in the Kanaker region with the presence of tribal gunmen. No casualties were reported.
26 July The spiritual leadership of the Druze, headed by Sheikh
Hikmat al-Hijri, announced the formation of a "
Supreme Legal Committee" consisting of six judges, including four judicial advisors, and three lawyers. The committee outlined its responsibilities as managing public affairs across all sectors in Suwayda, including administrative, security, and service-related matters.
30 July The
Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that 112 Jordanian citizens, along with nationals of friendly countries, were evacuated from Suwayda Governorate in coordination with Syrian authorities. The evacuation took place via the
Nasib–Jaber border crossing, using buses provided by the
Syrian Arab Red Crescent, following requests from the individuals' home countries.
31 July The
Syrian Ministry of Justice announced the formation of a committee to investigate the events and violations in Suwayda.
August 2 August The first meeting of the government committee established to investigate the violent events in Suwayda was held. The meeting was headed by Syrian Justice Minister
Mazhar al-Wais.
3 August Syrian state TV channel,
Al-Ikhbariyah, reported that what it called "outlaw groups" violated the ceasefire agreement and attacked Syrian Internal Security Forces in Suwayda and shelled several villages in the governorate's countryside. One member of the Internal Security Forces was reported killed and several injured. Fighting centered around the strategic Tal al-Hadid, which overlooks the city of Suwayda. The fighting began after local factions took control of Tal al-Hadid and Tel al-Aqra.
Al-Jabal Brigade was also involved in the fighting.
SANA reported that the government was able to recapture all positions previously lost that day and that it was still committed to the ceasefire.
8 August A convoy belonging to the
Syrian Arab Red Crescent, operating as part of the humanitarian response in Suwayda, was subjected to direct gunfire, but no injuries were reported. The organization stated in a press release that the damage was limited to material losses, with no human casualties, and confirmed that the convoy continued its mission to deliver aid to the most vulnerable groups. Clashes erupted in the town of
Najran between Druze factions and an armed group, following an attack reportedly launched by the latter. The
Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the clashes resulted in the deaths of two people on both sides, along with material damage and the burning of several civilian homes, before the attackers withdrew.
9 August In a recorded statement, Sheikh
Hammoud al-Hinnawi expressed sharp criticism against the Syrian government—the first such stance since the
fall of the Assad regime. In the recorded statement, which was the first since the beginning of the clashes, he condemned the authorities for betraying the nation and violating their commitments, describing the government as treacherous and oppressive toward innocent people. He called on international bodies and humanitarian organizations to urgently lift the siege on Suwayda, allow unrestricted humanitarian access, and investigate those responsible for brutal crimes against the Druze community. Al-Hinnawi stressed that the conflict has become a fight for survival, not just political maneuvering. He concluded by thanking the Druze spiritual leader in Israel, Sheikh
Muwaffaq Tarif, for his support. In a separate recorded statement, Sheikh
Hikmat al-Hijri accused the Syrian government of carrying out a "systematic genocide" against the governorate's residents. He called for urgent international intervention and
United Nations investigations. Al-Hijri characterized the situation as a "silent extermination plan" orchestrated from "dark rooms" and criticized what he called "media falsification campaigns" by state-run outlets. He said Suwayda "will not ask for sympathy" but "will not remain silent in the face of massacres". He expressed gratitude to U.S. President
Donald Trump for "his clear stance in supporting minorities and rejecting tyranny", and to "the government and people of Israel for their humanitarian intervention", and to Gulf states and the
Autonomous Administration in the North and East of the Euphrates for "their support to the people of Suwayda". The statement also emphasized the need for all armed groups to withdraw beyond Suwayda's administrative borders. Al-Hijri's statement included the following demands: • Opening an independent international investigation into the crimes committed in Suwayda. • Referring those involved in these crimes to the
International Criminal Court. • Sending international monitoring missions to protect civilians. • Ceasing all forms of political and military support for the "terrorist" factions surrounding Suwayda. Al-Hijri called on the guarantor states to pressure the Syrian government to abide by the ceasefire agreement and not repeat the violations and attacks that occurred during its implementation.
10 August The town of
al-Majdal came under an assault from three directions, involving the use of heavy machine guns and mortar fire. One wave of the attack originated from the town of
al-Mazraa, where government forces are stationed, while the other two approached from positions west of al-Majdal, firing heavy and medium machine guns toward the surrounding villages. The
United Nations Security Council issued a statement condemning violence in Suwayda, and urged all parties to uphold the ceasefire, protect civilians, and respect humanitarian and medical workers. The council called for "full, safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access" and the protection of all Syrians regardless of ethnicity or religion. While welcoming the Syrian authorities' condemnation of the violence and pledge to investigate, the council pressed for credible and transparent inquiries in line with international standards. It reaffirmed its commitment to Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, urged an end to destabilizing foreign interference, and reminded parties of the
1974 Disengagement Agreement governing the Golan Heights. The Council also urged Syria to take decisive measures against the
Islamic State (IS) and
Al-Qaeda, urging decisive action, and reiterated support for an inclusive, Syrian-led political process under
resolution 2254.
12 August The
Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates announced the formation of a trilateral working group with Jordan and the United States to support efforts to uphold the ceasefire and resolve the crisis in Suwayda. The initiative was announced after a meeting between Syrian Foreign Minister
Asaad al-Shaibani, Jordanian Foreign Minister
Ayman Safadi, and U.S. Special Envoy to Syria
Tom Barrack in
Amman, Jordan. According to a joint statement, the United States welcomed Syrian government commitments to conduct full investigations into crimes and violations in Suwayda, cooperate with relevant UN bodies, expand humanitarian aid delivery, restore disrupted services, rehabilitate damaged areas, facilitate the return of displaced residents, and promote local reconciliation. The statement emphasized Suwayda's integral place within Syria and the need to guarantee the rights and representation of its inhabitants. The statement said that the meeting came as a continuation to earlier talks in Amman on 19 July, which resulted in a ceasefire agreement.
Axios, citing U.S. and Israeli officials, reported that the United States was mediating discussions between Israel and Syria to establish a humanitarian corridor to Suwayda. The proposed corridor reportedly aimed to facilitate aid delivery to the local population, though the Syrian government expressed concerns that Druze armed groups might exploit it to smuggle weapons. Weeks earlier, an Israeli attempt to send aid via Jordan was blocked by the Jordanian government, prompting the Israeli military to conduct airdrops of humanitarian supplies.
15 August One woman from Suwayda was killed when unidentified armed assailants opened fire on the vehicle she was traveling in near the town of al-Kiheel in the eastern countryside of
Daraa Governorate. She was en route with other passengers from Suwayda to
Beirut via the highway passing through Daraa toward Damascus. The area where the incident took place was under the control of the Syrian government.
16 August Protests took place in Suwayda and nearby towns where thousands of people demanded a right to
self-determination for the Druze minority and called for the intervention of Israel; many waved Israeli flags. Syrian state media reported that a group of followers of Sheikh
Hikmat al-Hijri stormed the sites of the other Druze religious spiritual leadership. During the incident, members of the group reportedly assaulted Sheikh
Youssef Jarbou and Sheikh
Hammoud al-Hinnawi, while displaying al-Hijri's images alongside the Israeli flag at the sites.
23 August A number of armed groups in Suwayda issued statements declaring their merger under the umbrella of a "
National Guard". According to their founding declaration, the move was intended to create "an organized and solid force entrusted with protecting the mountain and its people". The groups emphasized their "absolute commitment to the decisions of the spiritual leadership represented by Sheikh
Hikmat al-Hijri", describing him as the legitimate representative of the Druze community in the mountain, referring to
Jabal al-Druze. In Suwayda, protesters called for the release of abductees, the opening of humanitarian corridors to allow aid delivery, urged the UN to intervene and establish civilian protection, and demanded the creation of an independent international commission of inquiry.
25 August The
Men of Dignity joined the Druze-led
National Guard.
September 2 September The
Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Firas Hamayel, a commander in the
National Guard, was killed in an ambush in Suwayda. == De-escalation efforts ==