At least 356 killed in clashes in Syria’s southern province

At least 356 people have been killed in armed clashes in Suwayda, Syria, between forces of the transitional government and Druze self-defense units, reports Sky News Arabia.

Among the casualties are 189 members of the special forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Defense Ministry sent to restore stability. Additionally, on July 16, 15 members of the Internal Security Forces were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Damascus.

The situation in southern Syria worsened on July 13, when clashes broke out between Arab tribal militias and Druze self-defense units in Suwayda Governorate. On July 15, the Syrian army entered the provincial administrative center and began clearing operations to stabilize the area. Shortly afterward, Israel launched strikes against Syrian military convoys, claiming they were attempts to protect the Druze population in the province. On July 16, Israel also bombed several strategic sites in the Syrian capital.