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Since the ouster of Syrian regime leader Bashar al-Assad on Dec. 8, 2024, Syria has witnessed some of its deadliest violence in years. On July 13, fierce clashes erupted between Bedouin Arab tribes and armed Druze groups in the southern province of Sweida, resulting in more than 700 deaths within a week. The violence prompted Israeli airstrikes on Syrian military targets, including in Damascus, citing the “protection of Druze communities” as justification.
Most Syrian Druze leaders have rejected Israel’s involvement, reaffirming their commitment to a unified Syrian state. A cease-fire was announced Saturday, but fighting reportedly continues in parts of the south.
The new Syrian government, led by President Ahmed Shara, has been working to restore nationwide order. Shara announced an “urgent cease-fire” in Sweida following the intercommunal bloodshed. More than 1,300 people have died in conflicts across Syria since Assad’s removal.
Amid rising tensions, Yusuf Arbash, leader of the influential Bakara tribe, made exclusive remarks to Turkiyegazetesi.com.tr, highlighting the tribe’s role in defending Syria’s unity.
“Türkiye has become almost like a breath of fresh air for Syria,” Arbash said, crediting Ankara with unwavering support for Syria’s revolution and its new government. He expressed gratitude for Türkiye’s political and humanitarian assistance, particularly in Syria’s north.
Turning to the Druze-Bedouin clashes, Arbash accused Druze leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri and terror group YPG-led SDF commander Mazlum Abdi of working with Israel to fragment Syria.
He stated that al-Hijri’s group, which he described as a “small minority,” has coordinated with terrorist factions and harbored former regime officials evading justice.
“These groups are in constant communication with the occupying Israeli state and conspire to divide Syria along sectarian and ethnic lines,” he said.
Arbash also claimed al-Hijri and Abdi held online meetings via Zoom and were involved in massacres targeting civilians in Sweida. “They committed indiscriminate killings of children, women, and the elderly, burned homes, and forcibly displaced people,” he said.
Responding to calls for help, the Bakara tribe mobilized armed men and entered Sweida on July 18 with limited resources. Arbash said they found widespread destruction and evidence of collusion between local Druze militias, fugitive regime figures, and Israel.
“Their coordination with Israel is no longer a secret,” he said, noting the use of drones, sniper attacks, and air support.
Arbash said the tribe withdrew after the Syrian government requested it as part of a broader regional agreement. “We are no longer afraid of the state—we are that state,” he said. “May Syria remain united with all its peoples.”
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