Syrian Presidency Declares Ceasefire Amid Deadly Sectarian Clashes in Suweida

Damascus, Syria – The Syrian presidency has announced an immediate ceasefire in the southern city of Suweida following a week of intense sectarian violence that has claimed hundreds of lives. The clashes, involving local Bedouin tribesmen and the Druze community, have led to chaotic gun battles and reports of atrocities, with graphic footage showing bodies strewn across the city’s streets. Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, called for unity, stating, “This moment requires unity of ranks and complete cooperation in order to overcome what we are all going through.” However, unverified reports on Saturday indicated that fighting may still be ongoing despite the ceasefire declaration. The announcement coincided with the deployment of Syrian internal security forces to Suweida, a move approved by Israel on the condition that the Druze community, a minority group following a unique faith derived from Shia Islam, is protected. The Druze, who are also minorities in neighbouring Israel and Lebanon, have expressed distrust toward the current government in Damascus. Israel intervened earlier this week, striking Syrian government forces and the defence ministry building in Damascus in support of the Druze. Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, expressed scepticism about Syria’s pledge to protect minorities, warning that it remains “very dangerous” to be a minority in Syria. According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the violence, which erupted on Sunday, has resulted in 940 deaths. The clashes initially broke out between Bedouin fighters and Druze factions before escalating with the involvement of government security forces. US ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, announced on Friday that Syria and Israel had agreed to a ceasefire, supported by neighbouring countries including Turkey and Jordan. Barrack urged Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to lay down their weapons and work together to build a united Syrian identity. The UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, reported credible evidence of widespread violations, including summary executions and arbitrary killings, involving security forces, interim government affiliates, and local armed groups. Türk called for an end to the violence and accountability for those responsible. Residents of Suweida described the situation as a “bloodbath,” with one woman telling the BBC she hid in her home, fearing gunmen would decide her fate. As the ceasefire’s effectiveness remains uncertain, the international community continues to call for the protection of Syria’s minorities and an end to the violence.