At least 12 people were killed and dozens wounded in clashes erupted Saturday between tribes of south Syria and Druze militants in Deir Dama village in Sweida province, activists said.
A Zaman al-Wasl reporter said that tribal insurgents beheaded a young man from Deir Dama as number of civilians were held captive.
The clashes between the Druze and Bedouin have recalled bad memories of fierce clashes that took place in 2000, with activists accusing the Syrian regime of supporting the tribes.
Sweida province, a main stronghold for the 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.
Druze activists warned of strife if fighting would be escalate in neighboring villages of their city, urging clerics to mediate.
Translated and edited by The Syrian Observer
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