Windhoek: Syrian defense authorities on Tuesday declared a complete ceasefire in the southern province of Sweida following days of deadly clashes between local Druze armed factions, Bedouin tribes, and the interim government's forces, as stated by defense authorities' chief Murhaf Abu Qasra. In a statement posted on X, Abu Qasra explained that an agreement had been reached with local elders and dignitaries to halt hostilities.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Syrian army units began withdrawing heavy military vehicles from the city on Monday in accordance with the ceasefire agreement. This move is part of efforts to de-escalate the situation and restore order. The ceasefire follows a weekend of intense violence that resulted in significant casualties.
The developments come after a sharp rise in violence over the weekend. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that at least 99 people have been killed, and some 200 others wounded in the past two days. The toll includes 60 Druze civilians, among them two women and two children, 18 Bedouins, 14 soldiers of the interim government, and 7 unidentified individuals wearing military uniforms.
Earlier Monday, defense authorities spokesperson Hassan Abdel Ghani stated that 18 soldiers were killed, and others were wounded in what he described as a "treacherous attack" by "outlawed armed groups."
In a parallel escalation, the Observatory noted that Israeli warplanes conducted an airstrike targeting a Syrian army tank in Sweida province on Tuesday. The tank was completely destroyed, although no casualties were immediately reported. The airstrike occurred shortly after large army reinforcements entered the city.
The violence in Sweida was ignited by the assault and robbery of a Druze youth at a makeshift checkpoint by armed Bedouins near al-Masmiyah, followed by retaliatory kidnappings by Druze fighters. This rapidly escalated into widespread armed confrontations across Sweida city and its rural surroundings.
Despite the withdrawal of heavy equipment and the fragile ceasefire, tensions remain high in Sweida. An influential Druze sheikh, Hikmat al-Hijri, had initially welcomed the interim government's forces but later called for resistance against what he described as a "brutal campaign," claiming that his initial statement was coerced.
Adding to the tension, Israel has launched multiple strikes on Syrian forces around Sweida since Monday, ostensibly to protect the Druze community in the area.