Clashes kill dozens in America's newest friend in the Middle East

The Syrian government said it has deployed troops to restore security to the Druze-majority southern province of al-Suwaidaa where dozens of people have been killed in violent clashes.

Local sources say the fighting raised fears of sectarian tensions, days after the U.S. praised efforts to combat terrorism by the Syrian government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Violence has escalated across Syria despite a recent pledge by al-Sharaa — a former militant Islamist who met with President Donald Trump in May — of a new era of religious tolerance as he sought legitimacy from the West.

The renewed bloodshed raises concerns on Syria's fragile transition which the U.S. is supporting through easing sanctions, backing reconstruction, and restoring a diplomatic presence in the country, while committed to prevent Islamic State's resurgence — which the Syrian government accused of a deadly church bombing that killed dozens last month.

More than 30 people were killed and over a hundred were wounded in clashes between local armed groups and tribes in Suwayda, according to a statement by Syrian Interior Ministry on X formerly Twitter.

The Syria Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that at least 37 people, including two children, 27 Druze civilians, and 10 Bedouins. Residents fled, homes were set on fire and shells were fired, SOHR added.