The Syrian presidency has announced an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in the southern province of Suweida, aiming to end over a week of intense sectarian violence that has claimed at least 940 lives, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). The clashes primarily involved Druze factions and local Bedouin tribes, with mounting accusations of atrocities and graphic evidence of the brutality surfacing online. Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa described the situation as a "dangerous turning point" for Syria's security and political landscape, urging national unity and full cooperation. He warned against foreign interference, referencing Israeli airstrikes last week on Damascus and Suweida, which he said aggravated the conflict and emboldened separatist actors.
In a televised address, al-Sharaa reiterated the government's commitment to protect all minorities and sects in Syria, including the Druze, while holding all violators accountable regardless of their affiliations. He denounced "figures emboldened by foreign support" who, he claimed, were leading armed groups with separatist intentions.
The violence reportedly erupted after tensions escalated between Druze and Bedouin groups. Syrian internal security forces have since been deployed to restore order in Suweida, a move greenlit by Israel on the condition that the Druze community would be protected. Interior Ministry spokesperson Nour al-Dean Baba stated the security presence was aimed at civilian protection and law enforcement.
Israel, which has a significant Druze population, launched military strikes targeting Syrian government positions earlier in the week, claiming to act in defense of the Druze. However, Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Saar expressed skepticism about Syria’s promises to safeguard minorities, calling Syria an increasingly dangerous place for non-majority groups.
U.S mediation played a pivotal role in securing the ceasefire. Thomas Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey and Washington's special envoy to Syria, announced the ceasefire on Friday, highlighting support from regional powers including Turdkeyu and Jordan. He called on Druze, Bedouins, Sunnis, and other minorities to lay down arms and forge a new, unified Syrian identity.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, violence reportedly continued sporadically through Saturday. Geolocated videos showed rising smoke and scattered gunfire in Suweida. Statements from both Bedouin and Druze factions showed tentative agreement to the truce, though some Druze elements demanded the Bedouins withdraw from Suweida as a precondition.
President Al-Sharaa emphasized that Syria cannot afford to become a battleground for foreign agendas or internal sectarian divisions. He reiterated his appeal for national reconciliation, stating that only through unity can Syria overcome its current crisis.
The violence and foreign intervention, especially the Israeli airstrikes, have heightened the stakes of the conflict. Al-Sharaa accused Israel of inflaming the situation and warned that such actions could push Syria into deeper instability.
Nevertheless, the Syrian presidency thanked the United States, particularly the Trump administration, for facilitating the ceasefire. It remains to be seen whether this fragile peace will hold or whether deeper political rifts will reignite conflict.
Ultimately, the Suweida clashes have exposed the deep fault lines in Syrian society and the precariousness of minority security in a war-weary country. Whether the ceasefire leads to lasting peace or a temporary lull will depend on the actions of local militias, foreign powers, and the
Syrian government in the coming days.
