In Syria’s south, Bedouins uprooted by sectarian clashes see little hope of return | REUTERS

Key Concepts

• Sectarian violence
• Bedwin and Druze communities
• Sueda province
• Sunni Muslims
• Bashar al-Assad
• Abduction
• Militias
• Displacement
• Coexistence
• Self-determination
• Ethnic cleansing

Sectarian Violence in Sueda Province

The transcript details a significant outbreak of sectarian violence in Syria's southern province of Sueda in July, which severely disrupted the long-standing coexistence between the Bedwin and Druze communities. This violence is described as some of the worst bloodshed in Syria since the toppling of Bashar al-Assad.

Escalation of Conflict

The conflict reportedly began in mid-July with the abduction of a Druze merchant on the road to Damascus by Bedwin residents. This incident escalated, leading to clashes between government forces sent to restore order and Druze militias.

Human Cost and Displacement

• Casualties: Two monitoring groups reported that over a thousand people were killed.
• Displacement: Tens of thousands were displaced, with the majority being Druze.
• Fisal Spez's Family Experience: Fisal Spez, a Bedwin individual, recounts his family's harrowing experience. They initially sought sanctuary with Druze neighbors but were subsequently taken by Druze gunmen and held in a village school. Upon attempting to escape when their guards disappeared, shots were fired, resulting in the deaths of three family members, including Fisal's 20-year-old daughter who was to be married the following day. Fisal's family is now living in a tent in a neighboring province, working in farmers' fields.

Accusations and Counter-Accusations

• Bedwin Accusations: Members of both communities reported their homes being torched, looted, or occupied. Fisal and over a dozen other displaced Bedwins interviewed by Reuters accused militias loyal to leading Druze cleric Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hajari of driving their Sunni community out of Sueda.
• Druze Counter-Arguments: Druze leaders, such as Tre Almush, claim they attempted to protect Bedwin families and deny any campaign to evict them. They also state that displaced Druze are awaiting their return home. Almush questioned the ability of Bedwins to identify perpetrators during widespread fighting and denied that Druze militias attacked Bedwin civilians.

Verified Video Evidence and Interpretations

• Video Content: Verified video clips circulating on social media showed Bedwin families at a Druze property. In one clip, a voice is heard assuring assembled Bedwin men of their safety before accusing Sunni co-religionists of intending to harm Druze children.
• Almush's Response: When questioned about these videos, Almush acknowledged the ongoing conflict and suggested that individuals might "go too far verbally." However, he argued that these remarks should not be interpreted as threats or evidence of Bedwin expulsion from Sueda.

Current Situation and Political Developments

• Druze Control: Druze fighters currently control much of Sueda, managing roads and local councils, with tensions remaining high as the country's new rulers attempt to establish control.
• Government Roadmap Rejected: In September, the government announced a roadmap to resolve the conflict, supported by the US and Jordan. However, Druze authorities promptly rejected this plan, advocating instead for self-determination.

Fisal's Personal Loss and Uncertain Future

Fisal Spez, who had worked in Lebanon for 17 years to establish a home in Sueda, raising livestock and growing wheat and figs, lost everything in July. For him and thousands of others, the path back to their homes remains uncertain.

Conclusion

The events in Sueda highlight the fragility of coexistence in Syria and the devastating impact of sectarian violence. The conflict has led to significant loss of life, widespread displacement, and deep-seated mistrust between the Bedwin and Druze communities. Despite attempts at political resolution, the immediate future for displaced individuals and the prospect of their return home remain uncertain, with ongoing demands for self-determination by Druze authorities.