Intense armed clashes erupted between tribal-affiliated groups and local factions, particularly in western rural areas and along strategic access routes, including the Damascus-Dar’a and Damascus-As-Sweida highways. Sporadic violence extended into urban neighborhoods and rural towns, prompting curfews and roadblocks imposed by security forces. Airstrikes and drone activity further escalated tensions across As-Sweida and surrounding regions, where death toll estimates vary. On the same day, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 1,120 people had been killed since July 13, including civilians. As of 28 July, about 192,000 people have been displaced across As-Sweida, Dar’a, and Rural Damascus with mostly first-time displacements (UN OCHA, 31 July 2025).
A formal directive was issued calling for the immediate withdrawal of tribal fighters, emphasizing the need to preserve national unity and civil peace. Religious leaders publicly condemned the violence and disinformation, rejecting any sectarian framing of the conflict.
On 20 July, a high-level delegation, including interim government officials and the president of SARC, arrived at the outskirts of the governorate to support emergency response efforts. The delegation’s convoys carried critical medical supplies and relief items intended for the evacuation and assistance of civilians in high-risk areas. However, humanitarian access to As-Sweida remained severely constrained despite ongoing coordination efforts involving the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) and international partners.
ACT Syria Forum, through St. Ephrem Patriarchal Development Committee (EPDC) will support people who have been displaced and mostly living in collective centers around Dar’a and Rural Damascus.
