Suwayda [Syria], July 19 (ANI): Syria has begun deploying security forces in the conflict-ridden southern province of Suwayda, following days of deadly clashes between Druze and Bedouin armed groups that have killed hundreds and displaced tens of thousands, Al Jazeera reported. The situation was further complicated by Israeli military intervention earlier this week.
The troop deployment came shortly after the United States announced an agreement between Israel and Syria to enforce a ceasefire, though ongoing skirmishes have cast doubt on its durability. The Syrian government confirmed the ceasefire, saying it aims “to spare Syrian blood, preserve the unity of Syrian territory, [and ensure] the safety of its people.”
President Ahmed al-Sharaa, addressing the nation in a televised speech, said he had “received international calls to intervene in what is happening in Suwayda and restore security to the country.” He accused Israeli operations of “reigniting tensions” and described the fighting as “a dangerous turning point,” while thanking the United States for its support, according to Al Jazeera.
Interior Ministry spokesman Noureddine al-Baba announced via Telegram that “internal security forces have begun deploying in Suwayda province … with the aim of protecting civilians and putting an end to the chaos.” However, as of Saturday morning, it remained unclear whether Syrian troops had entered Suwayda city or were still positioned on its outskirts, Al Jazeera added.
The ethnic and sectarian fighting between Druze and Bedouin factions, alongside clashes with government forces, has reportedly claimed at least 260 lives, with an estimated 80,000 people displaced, according to Syria’s Health Ministry and the International Organization for Migration. Al Jazeera’s correspondent Mohamed Vall reported widespread “extrajudicial killings” and significant disruption of essential services such as electricity and water.
Reactions to the ceasefire have been mixed among local leaders: some Druze community figures welcomed the truce, while others vowed to continue resisting government forces. Meanwhile, Bedouin fighters have pledged to bolster their forces in Suwayda, with one telling Al Jazeera their fight was “with forces loyal to Druze leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri,” whom they accused of siding with Israeli interests.
An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters that Israel agreed to permit “the limited entry of the [Syrian] internal security forces into Suwayda district for the next 48 hours,” citing the ongoing instability, Al Jazeera reported.
Al Jazeera analysts noted that Israel’s intervention in the region appeared to serve broader strategic aims, arguing it was “less about the minority Druze community and more about a strategic Israeli objective to create a new reality,” positioning itself as a dominant regional power through territorial influence and conflict.
The unfolding violence and military operations in Suwayda contrast with earlier diplomatic efforts by the Trump administration to expand normalization agreements between Israel and Arab states — a policy Syria initially welcomed before the current crisis escalated, Al Jazeera concluded. (ANI)
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