Egypt Daily News – After days of violent clashes in the southern province of al-Suwayda between Druze factions and Arab Bedouin tribes, the Syrian government announced a nationwide ceasefire, calling for calm and a return to law and order. The decision followed a series of deadly incidents that raised fears of wider sectarian unrest in the region.
In an official statement issued Friday, the Syrian Presidency condemned the recent violence, attributing it to “armed groups operating outside the law,” which had used weapons “to impose their will and endanger civilians—including children, women, and the elderly.” The government denounced attacks on homes and the intimidation of families, labeling such acts as “morally, legally, and humanely unacceptable.”
The statement reaffirmed the Syrian state’s position as one that upholds justice over retaliation and emphasized its role as a unifying entity for all citizens, regardless of sect or tribal affiliation. “Syria is a state for all its children—from the Druze community to the Arab Bedouin tribes,” the statement read, “and national responsibility dictates that all be united under one roof: the homeland, and one reference: the law.”
The government urged all parties to exercise restraint, prioritize dialogue, and avoid further escalation. Authorities also confirmed the deployment of specialized internal security forces to help end the fighting on the ground while implementing parallel political and security measures aimed at restoring stability.
On Saturday, security forces began entering key areas of Suwayda in a bid to stabilize the province. The move came shortly after a speech by acting President Ahmad al-Shara’, who addressed the deteriorating security situation and criticized foreign interference, particularly Israeli strikes in the south and Damascus, for exacerbating tensions. Al-Shara’ emphasized that despite challenges, the government remains committed to protecting civilians and preserving national unity.
Al-Shara’ also acknowledged that with the state’s temporary withdrawal from some areas, retaliatory attacks had been carried out by armed factions in Suwayda against Bedouin families. These actions, he said, violated human rights and prompted tribal fighters to mobilize to protect their communities. However, he noted the government’s continued support for Suwayda and stressed the importance of addressing grievances through institutional frameworks.
In a significant development, Syria’s Arab tribes declared their full compliance with the ceasefire announced by the Presidency. In a statement published Saturday, tribal leaders emphasized their commitment to ending the bloodshed and reopening paths for safe return and comprehensive national dialogue. “We have never sought war,” the statement said, “but have defended our dignity when necessary. We now lay down our arms in pursuit of national unity.”
The tribes also called for the immediate release of all detained tribal members and urged the return of displaced families to their homes without preconditions. They expressed a desire to open new channels of communication and coordination to ensure the stability of the region and prevent future outbreaks of violence.
Meanwhile, a senior tribal figure, Sheikh Ahmad Sheikh Hammoud, reported that sporadic gunfire continued in some areas despite the ceasefire. He attributed the latest violations to followers of Druze leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, shortly after tribal fighters had halted combat in accordance with a newly brokered agreement.
The agreement, reached in the early hours of Saturday between Syrian authorities and Druze spiritual leaders and militia commanders, includes key provisions: allowing state security and military institutions to re-enter Suwayda, disbanding all local armed factions, and transferring heavy weapons to the government. It also proposes integrating former militia members into the ranks of the interior and defense ministries.
These developments coincided with reports of an international diplomatic breakthrough. U.S. Special Envoy to Syria and Ambassador to Turkey, Thomas Barak, confirmed that Syria and Israel had reached an agreement for a mutual ceasefire, aimed at de-escalating broader regional tensions.
As calm begins to return to Suwayda, the Syrian government has called on “all wise and responsible citizens” to unite in overcoming this crisis and safeguarding Syria’s social fabric—a diverse cultural heritage shaped over centuries.
