In a significant development, the Syrian government has announced it has cleared Bedouin fighters from the predominantly Druze city of Suwayda. This declaration marks a pivotal moment in a series of deadly clashes that have unsettled the region. The announcement came shortly after the government deployed security forces to stabilize the restless southern area, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
- Advertisement -
On Saturday, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa called for a ceasefire between the feuding Bedouin and Druze factions. This move followed a separate, United States-mediated agreement aimed at curbing any further Israeli military intervention, which has been a growing concern amid escalating tensions. Can peace truly be achieved through such complex negotiations?
Within hours of the government’s announcement, sporadic reports of machinegun fire echoed through Suwayda, supplemented by mortar shelling in nearby villages. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of casualties—perhaps a small solace amidst the chaos.
Nour al-Din Baba, the spokesman for the Syrian Ministry of Interior, conveyed a message through the official Sana news agency, stating that the fighting had ceased “following intensive efforts” to enforce the ceasefire agreement. He emphasized that government forces had successfully deployed in the northern and western sectors of Suwayda province. “The city of Suwayda has now been cleared of all tribal fighters, and clashes within the city’s neighborhoods have been brought to a halt,” he declared, words that perhaps instill a shred of hope in a beleaguered populace.
The violence erupted last week when the abduction of a Druze truck driver on a public highway ignited a wave of revenge attacks. Tribal fighters from various corners of the country surged into Suwayda, rallying in support of their Bedouin counterparts. This multifaceted conflict soon drew in Syrian government troops, complicating an already volatile situation.
On Wednesday, Israel intervened decisively, carrying out significant airstrikes on both Suwayda and Syria’s capital, Damascus. The Israeli government justified its military actions by claiming they were necessary to protect the Druze community—a minority group that had recently leveled accusations of government abuses. As military tensions intensified, Syrian government troops withdrew from Suwayda on Thursday, creating a vacuum that left many questioning the future stability of the region.
The toll of the fighting has been harrowing, with reports of at least 260 individuals killed and around 1,700 injured, according to the Syrian Ministry of Health. Other organizations have pointed to a staggering count of over 900 fatalities, raising alarm over the accuracy of casualty figures. In addition, more than 87,000 people have been displaced, adding to the humanitarian crisis and raising questions about their future.
The clashes pose a substantial challenge to President al-Sharaa’s government, which has stepped into the fray following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad in December. In a televised statement, al-Sharaa called upon all factions to lay down their arms, urging a cooperative spirit necessary for restoring peace. “While we thank the [Bedouin] clans for their heroic stance, we call on them to adhere to the ceasefire and follow the orders of the state,” he implored. “All should understand this moment requires unity and full cooperation, so we can overcome these challenges and preserve our country from foreign interference and internal sedition.”
Al-Sharaa condemned Israel’s involvement, describing it as an act that “pushed the country into a dangerous phase threatening stability.” In a carefully crafted response, the Syrian government initiated troop deployments to Suwayda as Bedouin factions signaled their intent to withdraw from the city.
“After discussions with all members of Suwayda’s clans and tribes, we have decided to adhere to the ceasefire,” stated the Bedouin forces. They emphasized prioritizing reason and restraint, allowing state institutions the space to restore security. “Therefore, we declare that all our fighters have been withdrawn from the city of Suwayda,” they confirmed, a statement that could either herald a much-needed calm or a temporary pause in hostilities.
As news spread, Al Jazeera’s Mohamed Vall reported that even the Druze seemed amenable to the truce. “Hikmat Al Hajri, a prominent spiritual leader, has called for all Bedouin fighters to be escorted safely out of Suwayda,” he outlined, shedding light on the community’s desire for peace, even amidst historical divides.
Yet doubts linger. Reports of ongoing skirmishes persisted, with some Druze leaders voicing strong objections against the ceasefire. In a region fraught with emotion and history, can lasting peace truly emerge from such a fragile agreement?
Internationally, there seems to be cautious optimism surrounding the ceasefire. Jordan has stepped in to host talks involving Syria and the United States aimed at solidifying the ceasefire. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, along with Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shibani, and U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barak discussed practical steps to alleviate the crisis, including the release of detainees and community reconciliation efforts. Are these efforts enough to alter the course of recent history?
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not shy away from calling for accountability within the Syrian ranks, emphasizing the need to prevent atrocities. World leaders echoed these sentiments, with the United Kingdom’s foreign secretary, David Lammy, expressing his horror over the violence and reinforcing the necessity for a lasting ceasefire. France’s Government also advocated for investigations into violations of civilian rights, as concerns about Israeli strikes lingered in the backdrop.
As this complex narrative continues to unfold, one thing remains clear: the pursuit of peace is often fraught with layers of historical grievances, shifting allegiances, and the ever-present specter of foreign involvement. Can the people of Syria, with their rich tapestry of cultures and experiences, find a way forward amidst this tumultuous backdrop?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
