Since mid-July 2025, the Suweida Governorate has witnessed a rapid succession of events, a volatile mix of violence and political upheaval that has culminated in one of the most complex scenarios the region has seen in recent years. What began as localized clashes quickly escalated, drawing in regional and national actors, and threatening to destabilize the already fragile Syrian state.
According to Amar Azz Eddin, spokesperson for the Suweida Events Investigation Committee, evidence has been meticulously collected and secured, ensuring its integrity for presentation in court. The committee has also announced the detention of personnel from both the Ministries of Defense and Interior, a move intended to demonstrate the Syrian government’s commitment to accountability. Further underscoring this commitment, the government has indicated its willingness to allow an international investigation committee access to the region.
Here’s a timeline outlining the key milestones in the Suweida crisis:
July 13, 2025: Violence erupted between Druze militants and Bedouin tribes, rapidly escalating into widespread clashes across villages and towns. Hundreds of casualties were reported as government forces intervened in an attempt to contain the deteriorating situation.
July 15, 2025: Israeli forces reportedly struck Syrian army and security positions in Suweida, further escalating internal tensions and adding a regional dimension to the ongoing conflict. The strikes amplified concerns about external interference and potential for broader regional instability.
July 19, 2025: The Syrian government declared a comprehensive ceasefire in the governorate and deployed additional forces around major cities, seeking to restore order and pave the way for a preliminary settlement. The effectiveness of this ceasefire, however, proved short-lived.
July 31, 2025: The Ministry of Justice formed a special investigation committee to examine the details of the Suweida events and identify those responsible for the escalation. This step was seen as a precursor to a broader judicial process aimed at bringing perpetrators to justice.
August 3, 2025: Violence resumed after armed groups allegedly attacked Syrian internal security positions, marking the first direct violation of the ceasefire declared weeks earlier. This renewed violence undermined confidence in the government’s ability to maintain order.
August 6, 2025: Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri announced the formation of the “Supreme Legal Committee for the Administration of Suweida Governorate,” later renewing calls for separation, adding a tense political dimension to the escalating violence. This demand introduced a significant challenge to the Syrian government’s authority.
August 28, 2025: The main road between Damascus and Suweida was reopened, allowing humanitarian aid convoys to pass through after weeks of supply disruptions due to the clashes. This reopening provided much-needed relief to the affected population.
September 16, 2025: A seven-point roadmap was announced through a Syrian Foreign Ministry initiative, supported by Jordan and the United States, aiming to de-escalate tensions and facilitate a political resolution.
