A tenuous ceasefire took effect in Syria's southern Sweida province late Wednesday, following days of clashes between interim government forces, Druze fighters, and Bedouin tribes that claimed over 240 lives. The agreement – mediated between Syrian authorities and Druze spiritual leaders – mandates troop withdrawals, localized security checkpoints, and a joint monitoring mechanism to stabilize the strategic region.
The breakthrough came hours after Israeli warplanes struck multiple high-profile military targets in Damascus, including the Syrian Army's General Command headquarters. Israeli officials cited protection of Sweida's Druze minority as justification, marking a rare public acknowledgment of cross-border military operations in Syria's decade-long conflict.
Under the ceasefire terms confirmed by Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Youssef Jarbouh, government institutions will gradually resume operations while heavy weapons are regulated through coordination with defense authorities. However, divisions persist within the Druze community, with influential cleric Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri rejecting the deal and vowing continued resistance against government presence.
The clashes and subsequent diplomatic maneuvering highlight Sweida's complex role as both a Druze cultural stronghold and a geopolitical flashpoint. Analysts suggest the ceasefire's sustainability hinges on balancing local autonomy demands with Damascus' efforts to reassert control over southern Syria.
For investors and regional observers, the developments underscore ongoing volatility in Syria's security landscape despite recent normalization efforts with Arab states. The Israeli strikes further complicate reconstruction prospects, with critical infrastructure damage reported in central Damascus.
