The Druze in Syria are divided into three main groups:

- One follows Sheikh Al-Hinawi (who supports the new government),

- and another follows Laith Al-Balaous (also supportive of the new government). Laith is the son of Wahid Al-Balaous, who was assassinated by the Assad regime for opposing it.

- The third group is led by Hikmat Al-Hijri. This faction is composed of remnants of the Assad regime, outlaws, and sectarian Druze extremists who are militarily, politically, and financially backed by Israel. For some time now, they’ve been openly calling for Israeli protection and have publicly declared their opposition to the new Syrian government, citing ideological and sectarian differences.

This third group has become the dominant force in Suwayda, completely blocking Syrian state institutions from operating in Suwayda.

Even basic services like electricity and water repairs were denied access, which led to a collapse in infrastructure and public services. Theft became rampant, affecting public stadiums, shops, and roads, while kidnappings for ransom increased. This directly led to tensions between the Druze and neighboring Arab tribes, especially after several tribal members were kidnapped along the Damascus–Suwayda highway, the root cause of the conflict.

With Israel issuing threats against the Syrian government and warning it not to approach Suwayda, claiming the Druze are under Israeli protection, the government had been unable to take action for months. As a result, insecurity and chaos spread, pushing the local Bedouin tribes to start defending themselves. They suffered casualties, both fighters and civilians, after Al-Hijri’s forces shelled Bedouin villages with rockets and mortars. The escalation intensified until the Syrian government was eventually forced to intervene to stop the violence.

After the government's attempt to intervene, Al-Hijri’s forces ambushed a military convoy killing everyone in it. They mutilated the bodies and circulated videos filled with sectarian and religious insults directed at the government and Syria’s majority Sunni population, sparking nationwide outrage. In response to this brutal act, the Damascus government decided to resolve the Suwayda situation once and for all: to disarm all factions, leave weapons only in the hands of the state, and treat anyone who refuses to surrender their weapons as an outlaw.

Both Sheikh Al-Hinawi and Laith Al-Balaous expressed full readiness to work with the government , emphasizing the urgent need for the presence of state institutions in Suwayda and the importance of ending the ongoing security chaos. In contrast, Al-Hijri rejected this approach, insisting that he should govern the region himself with his forces, without the need for government involvement.
On July 15, as clashes and fighting escalated in recent days, a joint statement was issued in the morning by Sheikh Al-Hinawi, Laith Al-Balaous, and the rest of the Druze factions aligned with them. The statement called for laying down arms, cooperating with the state, and affirming that the government’s presence, both institutionally and in terms of services, is essential. It stressed that Suwayda is an inseparable part of the Syrian state and its social fabric. The meeting included representatives from the Syrian government, the Ministry of Defense, and the Governor of Suwayda. Based on this decision, the entry of government forces into Suwayda was facilitated.

However, just hours later, Al-Hijri issued a solo statement rejecting everything that was agreed upon. He called for tribal mobilization against government forces, declared war on the Syrian army and its allies, and urged resistance. This reignited tribal sentiments in Suwayda, leading to a wave of ambushes targeting public security forces. Mere hours after that, he publicly declared his need for international support, prompting Israel to intervene and begin bombing government positions, which resulted in the deaths of Syrian soldiers.

🧵 1- Here's a simple explanation of all the details according to eyewitnesses and reliable news about the massacre that took place on the Latakia-Tartous M1 Highway, which was known as the "Road of Death" after it was cut off by the remnants of the fallen Assad regime.

#FactCheckSyria

The filming location of the video below:
35°17'41.03"N 35°57'40.72"E 2- According to one of the survivors who works as a truck driver and speaks in the video at 2:18 - 2:35, the Assad remnants attacked the highway from the east and randomly began targeting civilian cars, killing his fellow truck driver who was transporting oranges in his truck.

https://x.com/Jamil_Alhasaan/status/1899085335868371400

🧵JUST IN : The funniest story out of Syria

What’s been happening in Syria over the past few hours? And is it true that Maher al-Assad is back in Syria and HTS has fled? 1- The story started with the return of the award-winning Syrian actor and director, Ghadhfan Ghanoum, to his homeland, Syria.

Ghanoum played the role of Maher al-Assad in the drama series "Smile O General", which portrays the brutality of the Assad regime and the rampant corruption in Syria.

🧵The devastating impact of the Assad regime on Damascus' housing sector, wildlife, and green spaces

- How did the corrupt dictatorship of the Assad regime destroy the environment and the iconic green spaces that Damascus was famous for over centuries?

https://twitter.com/abdalhadealani/status/1859138431156170918

2- Kicking off this thread by saying it’s not about promoting any foreign side or cheering for any foreign power that occupied Syria.

I’m just highlighting facts and changes Damascus has gone through over the past 200 years as experienced by its people.

1- #Thread: Who is responsible for the massive fire that occurred yesterday in the historical palaces of #Damascus and in the Historical Documents and Archives Authority? 2- A massive fire broke out this morning, Sunday, July 16/23, in #Sarouja, in the Old City of #Damascus, resulted in the destruction of one of the most important historical and artistic palaces in Damascus.