Earlier this month, the city of Sweida in southern Syria became the epicenter of intense sectarian violence between Druze fighters and Sunni Bedouin tribesmen. Clashes, which erupted after a series of kidnappings and retaliatory attacks, quickly escalated into widespread bloodshed, with both sides accusing each other of atrocities including killings, rape and destruction of homes.

Despite a government-announced ceasefire, armed Bedouin tribesmen continue to gather near the city, demanding access to retrieve the bodies of loved ones and expressing deep mistrust toward both Druze fighters and state promises.

The violence left Sweida effectively cut off. Government roadblocks still prevent Bedouin fighters from entering the city, while Druze civilians trapped inside have reported dire shortages of food, water, electricity and medicine.

Hundreds of Bedouin families have fled to government-controlled areas, recounting horrific attacks allegedly carried out by Druze fighters.

This video summary was created using AI. It was edited by a journalist before publication.