It was reported that a ceasefire had been reached following the escalating clashes between Druze groups and Bedouin Arab tribes in the southern Syrian city of Suwayda last week.

DESPITE THE CEASE-FIRE, CONFLICTS CONTINUE

However, according to the latest reports from the region, clashes continue between Bedouin Arabs and some Druze armed groups in Suwayda, with intense clashes taking place in the city center and its surrounding countryside.

Clashes between local Bedouin Arab tribes and tribal forces coming from different parts of the country to support them and some Druze armed groups from Sweida are taking place in the Ankud Junction, Municipal Park, Ümran Tişrin Junction, Industrial Zone and Muhallak Garbi areas, which are west and northwest of the city center.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stated that the number of people killed in clashes between Druze armed groups and Bedouins since the morning of Sunday, July 13, has risen to 940.

CONVOY OF 100 VEHICLES MOVED

In the fierce clashes, which involved heavy and light weapons, forces loyal to Druze leader Hekmat al-Hejri appeared to have heavy sniper support. Meanwhile, a security force convoy of approximately 100 vehicles departed the capital, Damascus, towards Suwayda.

Syrian Interior Ministry spokesperson Nureddin al-Baba shared on his Telegram account,"Following the bloody incidents caused by illegal organizations, Internal Security Forces, upon the direct order of the Presidency, began deploying to Sweida within the scope of a national mission to protect civilians and stop the chaos."

The Syrian Presidency announced that a comprehensive ceasefire had been declared and called on all parties to comply with the ceasefire, stating,"Violation of the ceasefire is a clear violation of sovereignty."

Syrian President Ahmed Sharaa, in his first statement after the ceasefire, said,"I thank the tribes for their heroic stance. Syria is not a place that should be the scene of division plans. Let's put aside the disagreements. Israel escalated tensions in Sweida. Wise people from both sides should step in and resolve the issues. Anyone who tries to create problems will find us against them. Syria's strength comes from its people, and its stability is of paramount importance."

Shara also highlighted Türkiye's role in the ceasefire, adding,"We cannot ignore Türkiye's active role in regional efforts to reduce tensions."

NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES SUPPORTED

Meanwhile, US Special Representative for Syria and Ambassador to Ankara Tom Barrack announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Sharaa reached a ceasefire agreement with the support of Türkiye, Jordan and other neighboring countries.

In a statement on social media platform X, Barrack said,"We call on the Druze, Bedouin, and Sunnis to lay down their weapons and, together with other minorities, build a new and united Syrian identity. We call on all Syrians to respect one another and live in peace and prosperity with their neighbors." The ceasefire was implemented with the support of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

CONDITIONS OF THE CEASE-FIRE HAVE BEEN CLEARED

According to the Al-Vatan newspaper and local sources, some of the important articles of the ceasefire agreement agreed upon by the parties are as follows :

• State security and military institutions will be allowed to enter Sweida.
• All groups in Sweida will be dissolved.
• Heavy and medium-sized weapons belonging to the Druze and Bedouin groups will be handed over.
• Members of the groups will be integrated into the security and defense ministries.
• The return of state administrative and security organs to public institutions in Sweida will be ensured.
• Violations committed by the parties will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
• Those who reject the agreement will be granted the right of safe exit.

48 HOURS WERE GIVEN

On Friday, the Syrian Interior Ministry announced that security forces were preparing to redeploy to Sweida. According to Israeli media, the Israeli side granted Syrian security forces a 48-hour temporary permit to enter the area. Tribal forces advancing on the Sweida countryside were given until 4:00 a.m. to withdraw. Otherwise, Israel was warned to target Sweida, Daraa, and the capital, Damascus, more harshly.

The Syrian Presidency released a statement Friday night regarding the clashes in Sweida. The statement stated that the events in Sweida were being followed with deep concern and included the following statements:

This state belongs neither solely to the Druze community nor solely to the Bedouin. National responsibility requires everyone to be united under the same roof, the homeland, and with a common reference: the law. In light of these developments, the Syrian Arab Republic calls on all parties to exercise restraint and common sense, emphasizing its intensive efforts to stop violations that threaten the security of citizens and the stability of society. Authorized institutions are working to deploy a special force to end the clashes and resolve the conflict on the ground, while simultaneously striving to establish stability through political and security measures and ensure the swift return of peace to the city.

TAKEN INTO HANDS BY TRIBAL FORCES

Tribal forces reportedly took control of the city center of Sweida this morning. Druze groups have withdrawn from the area. According to local sources, the tribal forces will remain in the city until official security forces from Damascus are deployed.

WHO ARE THE BEDOUINS?

Bedouins are nomadic Arab communities, known in Arabic as"al-bedu," meaning "desert dweller." Historically, Bedouins have lived in the Arabian Peninsula, Jordan, Iraq, Syria, Egypt (especially Sinai), Palestine, and various regions of North Africa. They are a tribal society, living nomadic or semi-nomadic lives and subsisting on animal husbandry (especially camels and sheep).

WHAT HAPPENED?

The first clashes in Sweida city began last Sunday when Druze seized vehicles belonging to Bedouin Arabs. The two sides abducted and detained civilians, and armed clashes broke out. The Israeli army targeted Syrian government forces who had gone to Sweida on Monday and Tuesday to end the fighting. Syrian Defense Minister Maj. Gen. Murhaf Abu Qasra announced a ceasefire in the predominantly Druze-populated city of Sweida on Tuesday. However, the ceasefire was broken on Wednesday, and clashes resumed between government forces and Druze groups.

With the resumption of hostilities, Israel, using the security of the Druze population as a pretext, launched airstrikes on the Presidential Palace in Damascus, the General Staff headquarters, and the city of Daraa. With Türkiye's initiative, a ceasefire was reached on Wednesday, and Syrian army units withdrew from Sweida. Hundreds are estimated to have been killed in the clashes and Israeli attacks in Sweida, where security forces have withdrawn. The clashes have left the region without food, electricity, and water, and the region is experiencing a humanitarian crisis.