TenThe conflict-ridden region of southern Syria witnessed a pivotal diplomatic breakthrough this week as the United States brokered a ceasefire agreement between the Syrian government and Druze leaders. This development follows days of heavy violence and intensified Israeli airstrikes targeting Syrian military infrastructure in both Damascus and Suweida.
Sectarian Clashes Ignite in Suweida
Violence erupted in Suweida province on Sunday after hostilities broke out between local Druze militias and Bedouin tribal groups. The immediate trigger is believed to be the abduction of a Druze merchant, sparking retaliatory actions and widespread chaos. More than 350 people are feared dead, including government troops, Druze fighters, Bedouin combatants, and civilians.
Suweida, predominantly inhabited by Syria’s Druze minority, has long harbored distrust towards the central regime. This latest flare-up has amplified sectarian tensions and plunged the province into crisis.
Israel Strikes Back, Citing Protection of Druze
In a swift military response to Syrian troop deployments in Suweida, Israel launched targeted airstrikes on Monday. Strikes were reported near the Syrian Ministry of Defence in Damascus and on military convoys bound for Suweida.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the strikes as a defense of Israel’s Druze population, which shares ethnic and familial ties with Syrian Druze. He also called on Israeli Druze volunteers attempting to cross into Syria to withdraw, assuring that Israel’s military would handle the situation.
US Confirms Diplomatic Agreement to End Violence
Amid mounting international pressure, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on social media that a de-escalation agreement had been reached with all parties. He stated that “specific steps” were finalized to end the crisis and protect civilians.
Syria’s foreign ministry confirmed the diplomatic breakthrough, expressing gratitude for U.S. and Arab involvement in promoting peace and dialogue.
Syrian Army Withdraws, Ceasefire Declared
State-run news agency SANA reported that Syrian military units began withdrawing from Suweida on Wednesday night, in accordance with the terms of the U.S.-mediated agreement. The Syrian Interior Ministry later confirmed that an official ceasefire had been established between the government and local Druze leaders.
Israel Maintains Offensive Readiness
Despite the ceasefire, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that operations would continue until Syrian troops completely exit Suweida. In a stern message, he stated that “painful military actions” would persist. Israeli forces released footage of precision airstrikes near central Damascus, including one near the presidential palace, signaling a clear warning to interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who succeeded Bashar al-Assad.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Local sources and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) have reported worsening humanitarian conditions in Suweida. Heavy shelling reportedly struck the national hospital, while sniper fire and looting paralyzed basic life.
Residents describe ambulance delays, lack of medicine, water shortages, and unrecovered bodies in the streets. One resident shared with the BBC: “I lost my neighbor today to a sniper. We had no way to reach help.”
Casualties and Current Status
Unverified casualty estimates from SOHR include:
- 79 Druze fighters
- 189 Syrian government troops
- 18 Bedouin fighters
- 55 civilians, including 27 allegedly executed by security forces
Local security services estimate the total death toll could be closer to 300-350.
A Fragile Peace Ahead
Though a ceasefire now holds, analysts warn that Suweida’s complex ethnic and political grievances remain unresolved. Israel continues to monitor activities by Sunni Islamist groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which it accuses of cooperating with Syrian intelligence services.
With diplomacy in motion and military tensions still simmering, observers remain cautiously hopeful that this intervention will stabilize the region—if only temporarily.