Forces from Syria’s Ministry of Interior have begun deploying to Sweida, following a US-mediated agreement aimed at preventing further intervention by the Israeli military in the predominantly Druze province.
Ceasefire Amid Escalating Sectarian Violence
Earlier this week, Israel had bombed Syrian ministry forces in both Sweida and Damascus, seeking their withdrawal after accusing them of executing and committing other abuses against Druze civilians during their deployment in the southern province.
In the past week, over 700 people have been killed in Sweida in sectarian clashes involving Druze and Sunni Bedouins, as well as the ruling Islamist government, Israel, and armed tribes from other parts of Syria.
The office of interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced an “immediate ceasefire” in Sweida, calling on “all parties to fully respect it.” The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stated that armed volunteers, primarily Islamists according to Druze fighters, have been deployed in support of the Islamist government.
US-Brokered Deal and Regional Support
The agreement between Syria’s Islamist government and Israel was made public by Washington on Saturday. US Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, who is also the US Ambassador to Ankara, confirmed that interim Syrian President al-Sharaa and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “agreed to a ceasefire” negotiated by the United States. Barrack added that the agreement is supported by Turkey – a backer of al-Sharaa – and Jordan. He urged all parties to cease fighting and work towards peace.
Al-Sharaa’s Pledge and Gratitude
The US administration, which has aligned with Turkey and Saudi Arabia in establishing ties with the Islamist president despite his earlier links to Al-Qaeda, had criticized its ally Israel’s airstrikes on Syria earlier this week.
Following the American announcement, al-Sharaa vowed in a televised speech to protect Syria’s ethnic and religious minorities. “The Syrian state is committed to protecting all minorities and communities in the country… We condemn all crimes committed” in Sweida, he said.
The interim Syrian president expressed gratitude for “the important role played by the United States, which once again showed its support for Syria in these difficult circumstances and its concern for the country’s stability.” He also thanked Turkey and Arab countries for their support.
