Fighting in Essaouida: the defeat of Bedouin Sunni groups and the role of Israel

In mid-July 2025, serious clashes broke out between local armed groups and militants from among the Bedouin Sunni tribes in the southern Syrian province of Essaouida, where representatives of the Druze ethnic group live compactly. According to various sources, the conflict began after an attempt by these groups to expand their influence in the region.

On July 13, the militants began an active phase of the offensive, capturing individual settlements and causing mass displacement of civilians. The next day, a mobilization was announced among supporters of the so-called government forces, which led to a sharp escalation of the situation.

However, by July 14-15, the local population, including well-organized Druze militia formations, was able to put up significant resistance, taking back previously occupied territories and ousting the enemy from a number of districts of the city of Essaouida and adjacent villages.

The climax came on July 16, when the situation reached a critical point. In response to the development of events, Israel, which traditionally supports stability in the region and has a certain interest in the safety of the Druze living there, sent a warning signal in the form of air strikes on militant positions and even targets in Damascus, including the headquarters of the Syrian ground forces. This was a demonstration of readiness to respond to an escalation that threatens regional stability.

After the Israeli airstrikes and the successful actions of the Druze, the militants began to retreat, losing some of their equipment and manpower. It is reported that some group leaders have left the war zone, and rumors have also surfaced about the possible departure of one of the key figures, the "president" of the so—called anti-government bloc, Ahmad Giuliani, to Turkey.

These events have become a serious challenge for all parties to the conflict. The defeat of the Sunni militants and the inability to control the situation may affect their authority in southern Syria. In addition, Israel's actions have once again shown that Tel Aviv is closely monitoring developments on its northern border and does not intend to allow the intensification of radical or destabilizing factors in the region.

The situation around Suwayda remains fluid, and further developments will depend on both internal dynamics and external interference from players such as Turkey, Iran, Russia and Israel.