Syria Declares Ceasefire in Sweida as U.S. and Israel Weigh In Amid Heavy Death Toll
SWEIDA – The Syrian government has declared a new ceasefire in the southern province of Sweida following days of deadly clashes that left more than 350 people dead, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The move comes amid mounting international pressure and a renewed push by the United States to stabilize the region.
In a statement, Syria’s defence ministry announced that the army had begun withdrawing from the city after completing operations to “sweep the area for outlaw groups.” However, the statement did not mention whether other government security forces would also withdraw, raising concerns about the durability of the truce.
The latest ceasefire agreement was reached after previous efforts collapsed, with witnesses accusing government forces of joining Bedouin fighters in brutal attacks against Druze civilians. The Observatory confirmed that at least 27 Druze civilians were killed in what it described as “summary executions.”
In response to the violence, the Syrian presidency has pledged to investigate the “heinous acts” committed in Sweida and to hold all perpetrators accountable.
U.S. and Israeli Involvement
The United States welcomed the ceasefire and urged all parties to honor their commitments to restore calm. Washington has been working to revive diplomatic engagement with Syria amid growing regional instability.
Meanwhile, Israel, which shares a border with Syria and has its own Druze community, conducted multiple airstrikes this week. After earlier strikes in Sweida in what it claimed was defense of the Druze, the Israeli military escalated operations with attacks on Damascus.
One of the strikes hit a building in the Syrian defence ministry complex, with AFP images showing smoke billowing from the site. Additional Israeli strikes reportedly targeted the presidential palace area and the Mazzeh military airport, according to Syrian officials. At least three people were killed and 34 injured, the Syrian health ministry confirmed.
Ceasefire Agreement and Druze Autonomy
The ceasefire deal announced Wednesday includes the formation of a committee with both government representatives and Druze religious leaders to oversee implementation. In a televised statement, prominent Druze leader Sheikh Youssef Jarboua outlined the agreement’s 10 points, including the “full integration” of Sweida province into the Syrian state.
Despite the ceasefire declaration, an AFP correspondent reported gunfire in Sweida hours after the announcement, casting doubt on the agreement’s enforcement.
Druze areas in southern Syria have long maintained a degree of autonomy, with local fighters controlling the region. The new accord appears to signal a shift toward reintegrating the Druze-majority region under direct government control.
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