Sectarian spats rise in Druze stronghold as rebels kill 7 clerics

SWEIDA (Zaman Alwasl)- At least 15 people, including 7 Druze clerics, were killed and dozens wounded on Saturday when al-Qaeda-linked group backed with tribes’ fighters stormed Deir Dama village near Sweida city, activists said.

Zaman Alwasl reporter said al-Nusra Front's jihadists and Bedouin fighters had stormed the village, predominantly by Druze minority afte a serise of sectarian spats.

Activists said rebels had beheaded a young man as number of civilians held captives.

Some Druze activists warned of strife if the fight would be escalated in the neighboring villages with Daraa, urging Druze clerics to stop inciting hatred feelings and to ‘quell the sedation’. 

Activists reported unremitting efforts by clerics to mobilize youths to fight rebels in Druze strongholds.

The clashes between Druze and Bedouin have recalled bad memories of fierce clashes took place in 2000, as activists accused Syrian regime of supporting the tribes.

Sweida province, main stronghold of Druze sect, has witnessed several pro-democracy protests since the Syrian uprising erupted in March 2011. While the movement remains marginal, it is charged with symbolism, activists said.

Sweida is the birthplace of the historical Syrian figure, Sultan Pacha al-Atrash, who led the Syrian Revolution from 1925–1927.

Meanwhile, more than 171,000 people have been killed since Syria's conflict began in March 2011.