Syria\’s Forces Storm Druze Stronghold as US Reaches Deal with Israel
Unrest Continues in Sweida Amid Ceasefire Efforts
Amid a crackdown ordered by the Islamist‑led government, reporters in Sweida have documented ongoing gunfire and sporadic explosions in several neighbourhoods. The clash, which has drawn in the Druze majority, Israel, and rebel tribes, has resulted in the death of more than 700 individuals.
Background of the Conflict
- The Syrian interior ministry forces began deploying in Sweida on Saturday.
- Israel launched air strikes against the defense ministry forces in both Sweida and Damascus earlier this week to force their withdrawal.
- The Islamist‑led government accused the deployed forces of summary executions and other abuses against Druze civilians.
Ceasefire Declaration
The office of interim President Ahmed al‑Sharaa announced an “immediate ceasefire” in Sweida. Al‑Sharaa called on all parties to fully respect the agreement. However, AFP correspondents in the city reported persistent gunfire, rocket fire, and explosions as Druze fighters battled armed Bedouin who had seized neighbourhoods on Friday.
International Mediation
Washington early on Saturday announced a deal between the Islamist‑government and Israel. US pointman on Syria Tom Barrack stated that interim President Ahmed al‑Sharaa and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed to a ceasefire negotiated by the United States. Barrack, the US ambassador to Ankara, noted that Turkey and neighboring Jordan also backed the agreement.
US Advocacy
“We call upon Druze, Bedouins and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbours,” Barrack wrote on X.
Human Rights Toll
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that at least 718 people had been killed since Sunday. The casualties included:
- 146 Druze fighters and 245 Druze civilians, 165 of whom were summarily executed.
- 287 government troops and 18 Bedouin fighters.
- Three Bedouin fighters were summarily executed by Druze fighters.
- Fifteen government troops were killed in Israeli air strikes.
Medical Crisis
In the corridors of the city’s main public hospital, a foul odour emanated from the swollen and disfigured bodies piled up in refrigerated storage units. A small number of doctors and nurses worked to treat the wounded arriving from the ongoing clashes, some in the hallways.
Doctor Omar Obeid told AFP the hospital had received “more than 400 bodies” since Monday morning. “There is no more room in the morgue. The bodies are in the street,” he added.
International Response
The International Committee for the Red Cross warned that health facilities were overwhelmed, with power cuts hampering the preservation of bodies. “The humanitarian situation in Sweida is critical. People are running out of everything,” said Stephan Sakalian, head of the ICRC’s delegation in Syria.
The International Organization for Migration confirmed that 79,339 civilians had fled the fighting.
Conclusion
Despite the ceasefire announcement, the situation in Sweida remains volatile, with sporadic violence continuing and humanitarian needs rising sharply. International actors are urging all parties to respect the ceasefire and to cooperate in rebuilding community cohesion and ensuring civilian protection.
