The Syrian Ministry of Interior announced a ceasefire agreement in the southern city of Sweida on 16/7. The agreement stipulates an "immediate and complete cessation" of all military activity. A committee comprising government representatives and Druze spiritual leaders will be formed to oversee the ceasefire's implementation.
The Syrian Ministry of Defense stated that army units have started withdrawing from Sweida in accordance with the agreement, after "completing the sweep of outlaw groups in the city".
The United States confirmed the ceasefire and called for adherence to the agreement. The US State Department had previously requested Syria to withdraw its troops from Sweida to de-escalate tensions.
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Members of the Syrian security forces next to a burnt-out car in Sweida on 16/7. Photo: AFP |
Members of the Syrian security forces next to a burnt-out car in Sweida on 16/7. Photo: AFP
Sheikh Youssef Jarboua, a Druze spiritual leader, outlined 10 points within the agreement, including the "complete integration of Sweida province" into the Syrian state. Until now, areas with large Druze populations have been controlled by Druze fighters. Sweida city has a Druze majority.
The ceasefire and withdrawal announcement followed Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) airstrikes earlier this week targeting Syrian army units deployed to Sweida. The IDF emphasized these strikes as a "clear warning" to the Syrian government that Tel Aviv would not tolerate harm to the Druze people.
On 16/7, the IDF also attacked Damascus, hitting the Ministry of Defense building.
Israel further claimed to have attacked a "military target" near the Syrian Presidential Palace. Sources from the Syrian Ministry of Interior reported airstrikes near the Mazzeh military airport close to the capital. The Syrian Ministry of Health reported at least three fatalities and 34 injuries from the attacks.
Druze residents of Israel share strong familial and historical ties with the community in Syria, and Tel Aviv has pledged to protect them. However, observers suggest this is a pretext for Israel to pursue its goal of preventing Syrian government forces from approaching the border.
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Location of Sweida province. Graphic: WP |
Location of Sweida province. Graphic: WP
The Syrian government deployed forces to Sweida on 15/7, ostensibly to oversee a previous ceasefire agreement with Druze leaders, following days of deadly clashes between the Druze community and the local Bedouin tribe.
The Bedouin and Druze communities in Sweida have a long-standing feud, occasionally erupting into violence.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), based in the UK, reported that the fighting resulted in over 350 deaths, including government forces, local fighters, and civilians. Among them, 27 Druze people were "executed on the spot".
The Syrian Presidency announced an investigation into the "atrocities" in Sweida and pledged to punish "all those proven to be involved".
Pham Giang (According to AFP)
