DAMASCUS: Despite a declared “immediate ceasefire” by Syria’s president, sectarian clashes persist in the southern region of the country.
Over the past week, fighters from the Druze minority have been engaged in violent conflict with armed Bedouin groups in Suweida Province, with reports of atrocities committed by both sides.
Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa sent government forces to the area, but these troops have faced accusations of participating in attacks against the Druze community. The ongoing violence has reportedly claimed more than 900 lives.
Earlier this week, Israel voiced its support for the Druze and took military action against Syrian government forces and the defense ministry in Damascus.
The ceasefire, announced by Sharaa on Saturday, included a halt to Israeli airstrikes and was part of a U.S.-brokered agreement. Israel approved the deal on the condition that the Druze population would be protected. Government troops have established checkpoints to prevent further escalation, yet gunfire was still reported in Suweida city later that day.
AFP correspondents also witnessed armed groups looting and setting fire to shops. Meanwhile, Israel’s foreign minister expressed skepticism about the Syrian president’s renewed promises to safeguard minorities.
The Druze in Suweida follow a secretive religious tradition rooted in Shia Islam and have a deep mistrust of the Damascus government. They represent a minority not only in Syria but also in neighboring Israel and Lebanon.
In a social media statement, Israel’s Gideon Saar warned that being a minority in Syria is “very dangerous,” a reality repeatedly demonstrated over the past six months. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to protect the Druze community in Syria due to their close connections with Druze populations in Israel.
(Inputs from BBC)
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