Syria faces instability amid sectarian tensions and Suwayda unrest

Syria is experiencing heightened instability as sectarian tensions and armed challenges to government authority threaten post-war recovery. In the Suwayda province, armed groups led by Druze leader Hikmat al-Hijri and the National Guard are reportedly challenging government control and disrupting public services. Governor Mustafa al-Bakour has accused these groups of obstructing crisis resolution and cited foreign interference as a complicating factor, with some analysts suggesting Israeli interests may be influencing local movements.

Nationwide, ethnic and religious minorities continue to face violence. In Kurdish-led areas of Hasakeh and Raqqa, pro-government demonstrators have vandalized Kurdish symbols. Additionally, Christian communities in Al-Suqaylabiyah have been targeted by mob attacks. Experts note that Kurdish, Druze, and Alawite communities remain fearful of systemic discrimination in the post-Assad political order, as the country struggles to manage the sectarian hostilities deepened by the previous decade-long civil war.