The Syrian presidency has announced an immediate ceasefire in the southern city of Suweida following a week of deadly sectarian violence that has left at least 718 people dead, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).
The clashes, which erupted on Sunday, pitted Druze factions against local Bedouin tribesmen and later escalated with the involvement of government security forces. Graphic videos circulating online showed bodies lying in the streets, highlighting the brutality of the conflict.
“This moment requires unity of ranks and complete cooperation in order to overcome what we are all going through,” said interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in a televised address Saturday morning. He emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting all minorities and holding perpetrators accountable, regardless of affiliation.
The ceasefire follows the deployment of Syrian internal security forces to Suweida, a move reportedly approved by Israel on the condition that Druze civilians are protected. Earlier this week, Israel had launched strikes on Syrian government forces and the Defence Ministry in Damascus, declaring support for the embattled Druze community.
The Druze, a minority group in Syria with a secretive religious tradition rooted in Shia Islam, have long harbored distrust toward the Damascus regime. The violence in Suweida has also triggered fears of wider sectarian spillover across the country.
U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, confirmed Friday that Syria and Israel had agreed to the ceasefire, with backing from regional players including Turkey and Jordan. “We call upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and… build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity,” he said.
UN human rights chief Volker Türk condemned the violence, citing credible reports of summary executions and arbitrary killings by all sides, including security forces and armed local factions. “This bloodshed and the violence must stop… Those responsible must be held to account,” he stressed.
As the ceasefire takes hold, all eyes are now on whether the fragile truce can hold and if meaningful reconciliation and justice for victims will follow.
Written By Rodney Mbua
