Israel Strikes Military Tanks In Southern Syria, Where Government Forces Clash With Druze Militias

Members of Syria’s security forces look on as smoke billows during clashes between Bedouin tribes and Druze fighers in an area between Mazraa and Walga near the predominantly Druze city of Sweida on July 14, 2025. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a warning to Damascus on July 14 after the military struck several tanks in southern Syria to prevent them from reaching a Druze village near the scene of sectarian clashes. (Photo by Bakr ALKASEM / AFP) (Photo by BAKR ALKASEM/AFP via Getty Images)

BUSRA AL-HARIR, Syria (AP) — Israel has struck military tanks in southern Syria, where government forces and Bedouin tribes clash with Druze militias. Dozens of people have been killed in the fighting between local militias and clans in Syria’s Sweida province. Government security forces that were sent to restore order on Monday also clashed with local armed groups. The Interior Ministry has said more than 30 people died and nearly 100 others have been injured in that fighting. The U.N.’s deputy special envoy for Syria expressed “deep concern” over the violence in the country struggling for stability after a 13-year civil war.