Syrian security forces are preparing to redeploy to Sweida, a predominantly Druze city, following renewed clashes with Bedouin tribes, a spokesperson for the country’s interior ministry confirmed on Friday.
The decision threatens to further destabilise a fragile ceasefire agreement in Syria’s southern region.
The truce, initially declared on Wednesday, temporarily halted days of intense violence between Druze and Bedouin fighters in Sweida province. However, the renewed outbreak of fighting late Thursday night has prompted government troops to prepare for re-entry, after previously withdrawing in response to the ceasefire.
The violence has attracted international attention, particularly from Israel, which opposes the involvement of Syria’s Islamist-led government in the region. In response to Syrian troop movements, the Israeli military launched airstrikes targeting Syrian positions in Sweida, the country’s defence ministry, and areas close to the presidential palace in Damascus.
Israel has expressed firm opposition to the presence of jihadist elements in Syria’s current leadership and pledged to defend the Druze community in Sweida. The move has been bolstered by support from Israel’s own Druze population, which has called for intervention to protect their ethnic and religious kin.
Further complicating the geopolitical landscape, the United States, which helped mediate the initial ceasefire, has stated that it does not support Israel’s recent military strikes on Syrian territory. Nevertheless, the White House said on Thursday that the ceasefire “appeared to be holding” at the time, though renewed violence has since cast doubt on its longevity.
Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has taken steps to improve relations with Washington, condemned Israel’s actions, accusing the country of attempting to “fracture Syria”. He assured that his government would safeguard the Druze minority, which also has established populations in Israel and Lebanon.
As tensions rise, the re-entry of Syrian forces into Sweida risks reigniting broader conflict in a region already strained by sectarian divisions and foreign interventions.
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