Syrian Interim Government Deploys Forces to Quell Deadly Suweida Clashes Amid Ceasefire Hopes
Syrian Interim Government Deploys Forces to Quell Deadly Suweida Clashes Amid Ceasefire Hopes
The Syrian interim government has announced the deployment of a new military force to southern Syria, aiming to quell escalating sectarian clashes that have reportedly claimed nearly 600 lives since erupting on Sunday. The violence primarily involves Bedouin and Druze fighters in the Suweida province, a region grappling with severe instability.
Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s office confirmed the deployment, urging all factions to exercise restraint amidst reports of renewed fighting near the city of Suweida on Friday. President Sharaa has publicly vowed accountability for those responsible for the bloodshed and pledged to prioritize the protection of the Druze community, stating, “We are eager to hold accountable those who transgressed and abused our Druze people because they are under the protection and responsibility of the state.”
The situation remains volatile, with accusations from residents that government troops previously deployed to the area were involved in extrajudicial killings of Druze civilians. Adding to the complexity, an Israeli official reportedly confirmed Israel’s temporary agreement to allow limited entry of Syrian Internal Security Forces into Suweida for 48 hours, specifically to protect Druze civilians amid the ongoing unrest.
Internationally, efforts for de-escalation are underway. A US ambassador (reportedly Tom Barrack, though his official capacity as ambassador to Turkey is unconfirmed) stated on X that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Sharaa had agreed to a ceasefire, a deal reportedly embraced by neighboring Turkey and Jordan. However, neither Israel nor Syria has publicly confirmed this ceasefire agreement.
The United Nations Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, earlier this week expressed grave concern, citing credible reports of widespread violations, including summary executions and arbitrary killings in Suweida. Türk noted that alleged perpetrators included members of security forces, individuals affiliated with the interim government, and local Druze and Bedouin armed elements. He unequivocally called for an end to the violence and urged that those responsible be held accountable.
The predominantly Druze community in Suweida, which follows a unique faith, has historically been wary of various power structures in the region. The ongoing violence underscores the deep-seated tensions and the urgent need for stability in southern Syria.
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