Syria sends troops to Sweida front line as Israel moves hardware into area
Syria has deployed troops to reinforce the southern province of Sweida amid Israeli military activity that could be aimed at setting up a base in the area, security sources said. The troops have been sent to a front line in Sweida near where members of the Druze minority have mobilised militias with Israeli backing. Sweida, the Druze heartland, is one of several issues standing in the way of a US…
Syria has deployed troops to Sweida, a southern province, in response to increased Israeli military activity in the region. This move aims to reinforce the southern province amid Israeli efforts to potentially establish a base in the area. The Druze minority, primarily found in Sweida, has mobilized militias with Israeli support. The region is a significant factor in the US attempt to achieve peace between Syria and Israel.
Following an inconclusive US-backed meeting in Jordan in August, tensions have escalated. Israel has expanded its military presence in provinces east of Sweida, potentially boosting the Sweida National Guard, an amalgamation of Druze militias allied to the main Druze spiritual leader in Syria, Hikmat Al Hijri. Al Hijri has condemned Syria's post-Bashar Al Assad government as extremist and called for a new constitution.
Over the past two weeks, approximately 1,000 Syrian soldiers have arrived in Sweida, increasing the total number of government troops to 3,000. Israel has been airlifting equipment into the province, possibly preparing for the construction of a base. Government forces have been surrounding Sweida city since last year, with the Sweida National Guard militias surrounding the city's 10 hills.
Israeli helicopters have been dropping off surveillance, radar, and other equipment into these locations. Securing the hills would protect any potential base and enhance Israel's warning capabilities against Iranian attacks. Israel has previously built positions in Quneitra and Derraa governorates to extend a military line along the occupied Golan Heights.
Escalation fears suggest that Syrian reinforcements have been cautious to avoid drawing Israeli retaliation. In July 2025, Israeli air strikes halted a government offensive against Sweida, where the Druze forces remained in control. However, government forces captured over 30 Druze villages west and north of Sweida city, resulting in the deaths of around 1,700 people, mostly Druze. Damascus cannot appear to be standing still while Israel expands its military presence, according to the source.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
