Syria sees ceasefire after fierce sectarian battles

Druze fighters drove rival factions out from the Syrian city of Sweida, retaking control as fierce sectarian clashes came to a close, as reported by Al-Monitor on July 19th.

The fighting had continued across Sweida as Druze groups consolidated their grip on the city after intense battles against armed Bedouin backed by tribal militias from elsewhere in Syria.

Israel previously attacked government forces in Sweida and Damascus to make them retreat, after they were accused of abuses against Druze civilians. Syrian security forces have since established checkpoints to prevent reinforcements of the conflict, following orders for an immediate ceasefire, according to Reuters on July 20th.

Violence in Sweida has left over 900 dead, with sectarian clashes drawing in Islamist-led government forces, Israel, and tribal militias. An AFP correspondent observed burnt-out homes and shops looted and torched. Bassem Fakhr, spokesman for the Druze Men of Dignity militia, stated there was “no Bedouin presence in the city.”

The US-brokered ceasefire deal, was agreed upon by Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. US envoy Tom Barrack confirmed support from Turkey and Jordan for the deal. Barrack urged Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to lay down arms and build a peaceful Syrian identity.

In Amman, Barrack met with Syrian and Jordanian diplomats to discuss measures to uphold the agreement. Sharaa followed with a televised speech, pledging to protect minorities and condemning crimes in Sweida. “The Syrian state is committed to protecting all minorities,” he said, praising US efforts for stability.

Israel doubted Sharaa’s promises, citing violence against minorities in Syria. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported 940 deaths, including Druze fighters, Druze civilians, government troops and Bedouins. Syria’s government promised humanitarian corridors amid warnings of worsening conditions.

Al-Monitor, Maghrebi.org, Reuters, AFP