ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The death toll from the ongoing clashes between Bedouin tribes and members of the Druze community in Syria’s southern Suwayda province has risen to at least 30, the defense ministry said on Monday.
"We have followed with deep sadness and concern the bloody developments Suwayda province has witnessed over the past two days, which left more than 30 deaths and nearly 100 injuries in a number of neighborhoods and towns," the ministry said , as reported state media.
"In coordination with Interior Ministry, we have deployed specialized military units to the affected areas, providing safe passages for civilians”, affirming the security forces commitment to protecting civilians in accordance with the law," it added.
Among the dead are seven members of Damascus-affiliated forces, according to state media.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) put the death toll at 40.
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) condemned the attacks.
"We condemn the ongoing attacks and aggressions targeting the villages and towns of al-Sweida, which have led to the tragic loss of many lives and the burning and looting of numerous civilian homes and farms. The repeated attacks on our people in al-Sweida, along with the continued harassment they face in their daily lives and freedom of movement, are deeply concerning."
RELATED: Bedouin, Druze clashes kill 21, injure dozens in south Syria: War monitor
