Fresh violence exploded across Syria overnight, dealing a severe blow to the country’s fragile peace efforts and exposing deep cracks in the authority of the transitional government.

Fighting broke out in two major regions — the northern Aleppo province and the southern Sweida province — where government-affiliated forces came under fire from Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Druze militias, respectively.

The renewed instability challenges interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s efforts to unify the country following the dramatic ousting of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in December. While hailed by some as a turning point, Sharaa’s rise has been mired in controversy, with accusations of Islamist leanings and ties to radical fighters.

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In Sweida, state-run media reported that Druze fighters attacked Syrian security forces, breaking a fragile ceasefire and killing one officer. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed the death, adding that a Druze militant was also killed and at least nine others injured in the strategic Tal al-Hadeed area near Daraa province.

Conditions in Sweida remain bleak. Despite aid convoys trickling in, residents say it’s far from enough. The region is still reeling from July’s violent clashes between Druze militias and government-backed Bedouin clans that displaced tens of thousands and deepened sectarian rifts.

Meanwhile, the northern front flared up when the SDF launched rockets near Manbij, injuring civilians and soldiers. The Syrian Defense Ministry labeled the attack “irresponsible,” but SDF spokesman Farhad Shami blamed government-aligned factions for earlier shelling on Deir Haffar, an eastern Aleppo city.

Shami took to X (formerly Twitter) to accuse the Ministry of Defense of “distorting facts” and worsening the crisis. Though a ceasefire agreement exists, mistrust remains rampant in areas split between SDF and government control.

Israel Strikes in South Amid Golan Tensions

As Syria burned, Israel stepped up its involvement. In Quneitra province, near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, the Israeli military launched raids targeting suspected arms traffickers. Soldiers detained several individuals in Hader village and uncovered weapons stockpiles in four separate raids.

These incursions are part of Israel’s ongoing efforts to neutralize what it calls militant threats near its borders, especially since Assad’s fall. Syria has condemned the strikes, even as US-mediated talks attempt to de-escalate tensions.

Tensions reached a boiling point when Israel, backing Druze factions, struck a key Syrian military site in Damascus last month — a rare and bold move targeting the very heart of the interim government's military command.

With both internal factions and foreign powers applying pressure, Syria’s path to peace looks shakier than ever.

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