Syrian Government Begins Withdrawing Forces from Suwayda as Ceasefire Holds

Kokcha News Agency: The Syrian government has begun withdrawing its forces from the city of Suwayda after reaching a ceasefire agreement with local Druze groups.

The announcement came after clashes erupted in the region, primarily involving Druze communities and Bedouin tribes. The Syrian Defense Ministry stated, “The Syrian army has completed its mission against illegal groups and has started withdrawing from Suwayda in accordance with the ceasefire agreement between the state and Druze leaders.”

Syrian President Ahmed Shara addressed the nation, emphasizing that those responsible for the attacks on Druze civilians in Suwayda will be held accountable.

He stated, “The Druze are under the protection and responsibility of the state,” and added that local groups would be responsible for security in the predominantly Druze city of Suwayda. Shara also accused Israel of trying to drag Syria into a new war, while acknowledging the role of Turkish, American, and Arab mediation in preventing further escalation.

Meanwhile, Israel has issued a stern warning to the Syrian government, threatening to increase its attacks if the Druze community is harmed. Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stated, “The Syrian regime must release the Druze in Suwayda and withdraw its forces.” Israel has also reinforced its troops along the Syrian border and continues to monitor the situation closely.

The clashes in Suwayda began last Sunday when Bedouin tribal forces detained a Druze individual and looted his property, prompting Druze groups to seize Bedouin vehicles. The conflict escalated with mutual kidnappings and armed clashes. On Monday and Tuesday, Israeli forces targeted Syrian government troops sent to Suwayda to quell the violence.

The Syrian Defense Minister, Major General Murhaf Abu Kasra, announced a ceasefire in Suwayda yesterday, stating that security would be handed over to the Interior Ministry’s police forces after clearing operations. However, the ceasefire was briefly broken today, leading to renewed clashes between government forces and Druze groups.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, over 300 people have been killed in the clashes that began last Sunday.