Fighters from Syria’s Druze religious minority have joined the fight against the Assad regime in the south of the country, as reported by a local activist group. The Druze fighters are actively engaged in combat in the southern city of as-Suwayda, which is adjacent to the Daraa province where rebels initiated a new anti-government rebellion.
According to Suwayda 24, an activist group monitoring the situation, two local Druze groups - the Men of Dignity Movement and Mountain Brigade Gathering - have joined the fight alongside several other factions. The activist group stated that the Druze fighters have declared a general mobilization in the province in response to the rapidly evolving developments.
The participation of Druze fighters in the conflict could potentially strengthen the ongoing offensive in southern Syria. The recent uprising by rebels in Daraa has been marked by the declaration that their ultimate goal is Damascus.
Historically, the Druze community has held an anti-Assad stance. However, the Syrian regime has made efforts to keep as-Suwayda city isolated from significant military movements. The Druze population is dispersed across Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, with families often having members residing in these three countries.
