Sweida

A fringe Israeli settler group called 'Pioneers of Bashan' has been sneaking into southern Syria to claim land for Jewish settlements. The Israeli military recently intercepted the group near the border but avoided confrontation upon recognizing them as religious Jews. The group aims to establish settlements in areas including Quneitra, Daraa, and Sweida, citing biblical historical claims and security rationale for the Golan Heights.

A fringe Israeli settler group called 'Pioneers of Bashan' is conducting incursions into southern Syria to establish Jewish settlements, citing biblical claims. The Israeli military has intercepted these groups, which aim to create a buffer zone and humanitarian corridor in areas including Mount Hermon, Quneitra, Daraa, and Sweida. The group's actions align with the far-right government's support for settlement expansion.

A fringe Israeli settler group called 'Pioneers of Bashan' is attempting to establish Jewish settlements in southern Syria, prompting Israeli military intervention. The group, citing biblical claims, aims to settle in areas including Quneitra, Daraa, and Sweida, while the military works to prevent their incursions. The settlers argue their presence could protect the Golan Heights and Druze minorities amid regional tensions.

A fringe Israeli settler group called 'Pioneers of Bashan' is conducting incursions into southern Syria to establish Jewish settlements in areas including Quneitra, Daraa, and Sweida. The Israeli military has intercepted these groups, which claim historical rights to the land and aim to create a 'humanitarian corridor' for the Druze minority.

Syrian Druze leader Hikmat al-Hijri proposed Sweida province's integration into Israel while emphasizing autonomy preservation. He highlighted Israel's support amid ongoing sectarian violence in Syria following Bashar al-Assad's overthrow. Recent conflicts, including attacks in Sweida and Latakia, have intensified fears of reprisals under new President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al-Nusra Front leader.

Syrian authorities have begun trying suspects involved in a 2025 wave of violence in Sweida province, which saw clashes between Druze factions and Bedouin fighters resulting in over 2,000 deaths. Trials in Damascus aim to hold accountable those responsible for the violence, with public sessions starting in July.

Syria has begun trials related to deadly 2025 violence in the Druze heartland of Sweida. Government intervention in favor of Bedouin tribes clashing with Druze triggered Israeli strikes, with suspects including staff from defense and interior ministries.

Syria's captagon trade has shifted to Sweida province following Bashar al-Assad's fall, with the region becoming a major drug trafficking hub due to weak state control and Israeli support for local armed factions. Trafficking attempts from Sweida to Jordan surged by 325% after the Druze-led National Guard took control of the province.