Residents of Suweida, a southern Syrian city largely populated by the Druze community, are describing scenes of horror and chaos following days of intense sectarian violence that has left hundreds dead.

“It was a bloodbath,” said Rima (not her real name), a 45-year-old Druze woman who has lived in Suweida all her life. “There were bodies everywhere outside our building.” Speaking to the BBC over the phone, she described how she and her neighbors hid in terror as gunmen — including government troops and foreign fighters — went door-to-door looking for people.

“We waited, not knowing if we would live or die,” she recalled, her voice still shaken.

Violence Ignites After Abduction

The fighting began on Sunday after the reported kidnapping of a Druze merchant on the road to Damascus, sparking deadly clashes between Druze and Bedouin groups. Tensions between these communities have simmered for years, but the recent violence is among the worst seen since Syria’s civil war began.

Suweida has long resisted central government control. But after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime last year, interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa deployed security forces to the area — a move that dramatically escalated the situation.

Government Accused of Targeting Civilians

Residents say government forces not only fought Druze fighters but also opened fire on civilians and looted homes. Nayef, another local Druze man (also using a pseudonym), told the BBC:
“They targeted wealthier houses — stealing, torching, and shooting at unarmed people.”

He described collecting bodies from the streets, many of which had been lying for days.

Videos shared on social media appear to support these claims, showing men in military gear firing on civilians. The UN Human Rights Office confirmed at least 13 people were killed on Tuesday by armed pro-government men, and six others were executed near their homes.

Human Toll and Sectarian Fear

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported at least 594 deaths since Sunday, including 154 Druze civilians — 83 allegedly executed by government forces. Three Bedouin fighters were reportedly killed by Druze militias.

Israeli forces carried out air strikes they claim were intended to protect the Druze, a move some welcomed, while others condemned as interference.
“If not for Israel’s strikes, I wouldn’t be alive to speak with you,” said one woman. Yet Nayef added, “We don’t want Israel. We are patriotic people.”

Meanwhile, Bedouin families have been displaced by the fighting, forced to flee on foot with children in tow.

Hollow Promises and Deep Distrust

In a televised address, President Sharaa promised justice, calling the Druze “under the protection of the state.” But for many in Suweida, these words ring hollow.
“We’ve heard this before,” said Nayef, comparing it to similar promises made — and broken — after government-led reprisals against Alawites earlier this year.

“They talk about rights and justice, but it’s all lies. We no longer trust them.”

Religious identity has also been targeted. Fighters reportedly humiliated Druze religious leaders, shaving their symbolic moustaches and calling them “infidels” and “pigs.”

As Suweida struggles to recover from this latest round of violence, residents fear this is not the end.
“Our city has changed forever,” Rima said. “We feel abandoned — by our government, and by the world.”