A ceasefire agreement has been brokered between Syria&rsquo;s interim government and leaders of the Druze community in the southern province of Sweida, aiming to end four days of intense clashes that left at least 248 people dead.
Announced by Syria's interior ministry via state-run SANA, the deal includes a full halt to military operations, restoration of state institutions, and deployment of internal security forces. A joint monitoring committee involving Druze and state officials will oversee implementation.
Spiritual Druze leader Sheikh Youssef Jarbouh confirmed the ceasefire and agreed to terms that include regulating unauthorised arms and army withdrawal to barracks.
However, divisions persist. Influential Druze cleric Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri rejected the agreement, condemning it as illegitimate and calling for continued armed resistance against the interim government. His statement accused Syrian forces of war crimes and warned of consequences for unilateral actions.
The violence began after a Druze youth was attacked by armed Bedouins at an illegal checkpoint. The incident triggered retaliatory kidnappings, escalating into widespread violence involving Druze militias, Bedouin fighters, and Syrian forces.
Thousands have fled the conflict zone, as clashes continued even after initial ceasefire efforts. Reports also suggest that Israel launched targeted airstrikes in Sweida and Damascus, citing protection of the Druze population.
The situation remains tense as factions remain divided and sporadic fighting continues despite the fragile truce.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]
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Syria and Druze factions agree to ceasefire

Syria and Druze factions agree to ceasefire after days of deadly clashes in Sweida

Ceasefire Reached in Syria's Druze Region

Syria and Druze factions agree to ceasefire after days of deadly clashes in Sweida

July 17, 2025 | 15:24 IST