Armed clashes are continuing between Bedouin tribal fighters and local Druze armed groups in Suwaida, Syria, even as internal security forces began deploying across the province to implement a nationwide ceasefire agreement.
According to the state-run news agency SANA, security units have already started their deployment in and around Suwayda to enforce the terms of the ceasefire and help stabilise the situation.
However, intense fighting remains underway in parts of the province, it said.
Earlier on Saturday, the Syrian presidency announced a comprehensive and immediate ceasefire following days of unrest in the southern province – accepted by all the warring parties.
The Syrian Council of Tribes and Clans announced its full commitment to the comprehensive and immediate ceasefire.
In a televised statement, the body affirmed its support for the government’s decision to halt hostilities and open roads for the entry of security forces into the region.
The council also issued a warning that if the Druze community does not comply with the ceasefire agreement, they will be “prepared to respond at any time.”
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For its part, the Druze spiritual leadership in Syria released on Saturday the terms of the ceasefire agreement with the state in Suwaida province, including a ban on any party entering the border villages for 48 hours from the start of the truce.
In an official statement, the leadership confirmed that those remaining from the tribes inside Suwaida are “permitted to leave safely without objection or harm from any party,” ensuring safe passage under the agreement.
The ceasefire also involves “deploying public security checkpoints outside Suwaida’s administrative borders to monitor clashes and prevent infiltration by armed groups into the province.”
Safe exit routes for emergency and humanitarian cases within Suwaida have been designated through Busra al-Harir and Busra al-Sham crossings, the statement said.
The leadership urged all local groups to “refrain from leaving the administrative boundaries of Suwaida and avoid any provocative or combat-related movements to maintain peace.”
It emphasised that “any party acting outside the framework of the ceasefire agreement will bear full individual responsibility for their actions.”
Also on Saturday, President Ahmed Al Sharaa addressed the nation highlighting recent escalations in Al-Suwaida province between “lawless armed groups and Bedouins,” resulting in chaos and displacement.
Despite interventions by the Syrian state and international actors, instability persists, he said, emphasising the critical need for state presence to prevent further chaos.
He denounced violent acts and called for unity among all Syrian factions, affirming the protection of minorities, and stressing reconciliation over division.
He also urged support for Syria’s sovereignty and long-term stability.
“The facts confirm that Syria is not a field for experimenting with division or separation projects, or sectarian incitement.
“Some have chosen the path of division and separation, and have been shocked by disastrous results, which have proven the danger of this path.
“Today, it has become necessary to return to the path of truthfulness, and to seek a common national land that forms a real platform for the construction of the future of Syria.
“The Syrian state’s strength stems from its people’s solidarity, its strong regional and international relations, and the bonding of its national interests, which strengthens its stability and strengthens its advance in the long term.”
On July 13, clashes broke out between Bedouin Arab tribes and armed Druze groups in Suwayda. Violence escalated and Israeli airstrikes followed, including on Syrian military positions and infrastructure in Damascus. Israel cited the “protection of Druze communities” as a pretext for its attacks.
Syria is currently under a transitional administration led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who has urged national unity.
On July 13, clashes broke out between Bedouin Arab tribes and armed Druze groups in Suwayda. Violence escalated and Israeli airstrikes followed, including on Syrian military positions and infrastructure in Damascus. Israel cited the “protection of Druze communities” as a pretext for its attacks.
President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who leads the transitional set up since the December 2024 ouster of Bashar al-Assad, has called on the Syrian people to maintain unity.
On July 13, clashes broke out between Bedouin Arab tribes and armed Druze groups in Suwayda.
Violence escalated and Israeli airstrikes followed, including on Syrian military positions and infrastructure in the capital Damascus.
Israel cited the need to protect Druze communities as a pretext for its attacks on Syrian soil.
