Syria ends clashes and removes fighters from the Druze city of Suwayda.

The Syrian government has announced the successful clearance of Bedouin fighters from the predominantly Druze city of Suwayda, marking a significant step towards stabilizing the tumultuous southern region. This declaration follows a series of clashes that escalated dramatically, prompting the deployment of additional security forces as instructed by President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The president called for a renewed ceasefire to facilitate the restoration of peace and order.

This turn of events comes after a week of rising tensions, which began with the abduction of a Druze truck driver on a public highway. This incident ignited a chain reaction of retaliatory attacks, drawing combatants from various tribal communities into Suwayda in support of the Bedouin populace. The clashes eventually involved Syrian government troops, adding to the complex web of local and regional dynamics.

In a statement conveyed by the state-run Sana news agency, Nour al-Din Baba, spokesperson for the Syrian Ministry of Interior, claimed that the government forces have effectively restored calm in the city, and fighting has ceased in the neighborhoods of Suwayda. While there were reports of gunfire and mortar shelling prior to the announcement, the local leadership expressed a collective decision among tribal groups to respect the ceasefire in order to prioritize peace. Significantly, both the Bedouins and the Druze community have shown a willingness to adhere to the terms, emphasizing their commitment to tranquility amidst challenging circumstances.

Al-Sharaa addressed the nation, urging all factions to unify and cooperate for the benefit of the country’s stability. His call for tranquility also extended to the condemnation of any foreign intervention, particularly highlighting the disruptive actions by Israel, which claimed its military operations were aimed at protecting the Druze community amid allegations of mistreatment by government forces.

Jordan has taken a proactive role in fostering dialogue, hosting discussions between Syrian leaders and U.S. representatives to reinforce the ceasefire agreement. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi labeled the commitment to peace as essential, and all parties involved agreed on measures to ensure community reconciliation and the release of detainees.

International reactions have largely welcomed the truce, with global leaders emphasizing the need for continued peace and security for all Syrian citizens. Calls for investigations into potential violations and a commitment to uphold civilian safety underscore the collective resolve among nations to support stabilization efforts within Syria.

Moving forward, the focus remains on consolidating the ceasefire, with both the Syrian government and regional cooperation efforts aiming to ensure lasting peace in Suwayda and beyond.

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