A ceasefire took effect in Sweida, Syria, after days of clashes between government forces, Druze fighters, and Bedouin tribes. Government troops began withdrawing. The de-escalation followed Israeli airstrikes on Damascus, which Israel said were to protect the Druze community.
The ceasefire agreement, reached between the Syrian government and Druze leaders, includes a cessation of hostilities, troop withdrawal, and reintegration of Sweida under state control. A joint monitoring committee will oversee the deal.
While the top Druze leader confirmed the agreement, another influential cleric rejected it.
Hours before the ceasefire, Israel struck government and military sites in Damascus. The Israeli military said it targeted sites from which Syrian forces had attacked the Druze. Syrian authorities condemned the strikes.
The violence began with an attack on a Druze man, sparking clashes between Druze fighters, government troops, and Bedouin militias.
The death toll in Sweida has risen to 302. The coming days will test the ceasefire's stability.
4 Comments
ZmeeLove
Israel's involvement complicates things further. They shouldn't be policing our internal conflicts.
Coccinella
The Syrian government has blood on its hands. Why should they control Sweida again after all this?
Mariposa
This ceasefire agreement won't bring lasting peace. It feels more like surrender than a solution!
Matzomaster
Israeli airstrikes may have been controversial, but they did protect the Druze community from being further attacked.