The Syrian presidency has declared a “immediate ceasefire” in the southern city of Suweida, aiming to halt a week of sectarian violence that has resulted in hundreds of fatalities.
Recent reports indicate that violent confrontations have erupted on urban streets, involving local Bedouin tribe members and the Druze community, with allegations of atrocities levied against both sides. Disturbing visuals reveal lifeless bodies scattered across the streets.
Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, emphasised the necessity for unity and full cooperation among ranks to navigate the challenges currently faced by the nation.
The announcement of a ceasefire coincided with the deployment of Syrian internal security forces to Suweida, aimed at quelling the ongoing clashes. This action received approval from Israel, contingent upon the protection of Druze citizens.
The Druze community in Suweida adheres to a distinctive and secretive faith that has its roots in Shia Islam, while expressing a deep-seated distrust towards the current government in Damascus. A minority presence is noted in Syria, as well as in the neighbouring countries of Israel and Lebanon.
Earlier this week, Israel took action in the ongoing conflict, targeting government forces and the defence ministry building in Damascus while expressing its support for the Druze community.
On Saturday, the foreign minister of Israel expressed scepticism regarding a renewed commitment by Sharaa to safeguard minorities in Syria.
Gideon Saar expressed in a social media post that being part of a minority in Syria is “very dangerous,” a sentiment he claims has been demonstrated repeatedly over the past six months.
He stated, “The international community bears a responsibility to safeguard the security and rights of minorities in Syria.”
The UK-based Syrian Observatory of Human Rights (SOHR) reports that 718 individuals have lost their lives since the outbreak of violence on Sunday.
The initial clashes erupted between Bedouin fighters and Druze factions, subsequently escalating to involve government security forces dispatched to the region.
On Friday, the US ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, announced that Syria and Israel had reached an agreement on a ceasefire. The truce has garnered support from neighbouring countries such as Turkey and Jordan, yet Israel has not yet provided a statement regarding the agreement.
“We urge Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to lay down their arms and collaborate with other minority groups to forge a new, unified Syrian identity grounded in peace and prosperity alongside its neighbours,” stated Barrack, who serves as Washington’s Special Envoy for Syria.
A report from Syria indicates that violence against the Druze community is on the rise throughout the nation.
Earlier this week, Volker Türk, the UN human rights chief, announced that his office had obtained credible reports detailing extensive violations and abuses amid clashes, which included summary executions and arbitrary killings in Suweida.
According to a statement by Türk, the alleged perpetrators included members of the security forces, individuals connected to the interim government, and local armed elements from the Druze and Bedouin communities.
He issued a stark warning, stating, “This bloodshed and the violence must stop,” and emphasised that “those responsible must be held to account.”
During remarks made on Saturday morning, the Syrian leader asserted that his administration is “committed to protecting all minorities and sects in the country” and is taking steps to ensure that all violators, regardless of their affiliation, are held accountable. Accountability will be inescapable for all.
