Calm returns to Syria's Sweida city
Calm has reportedly returned to the Syrian city of Sweida, where internal security forces have been deployed in Al-Mazra'a village to block armed Bedouin tribesmen from entering. Following intense fighting over recent days, a member of a tribe indicated they would wait for Druze fighters to surrender their arms and return injured individuals and deceased bodies. Residents noted a lack of gunfire, suggesting a temporary lull in violence.
The clashes began a week prior between Bedouin and Druze fighters, prompting the Syrian government to send troops to restore order. However, these forces faced accusations of committing violations against the Druze community and were subsequently targeted by Israeli airstrikes before withdrawing under a truce established earlier. Despite a new ceasefire announced by the Syrian presidency, fighting resumed, highlighting the challenges faced by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in asserting control over a fragmented nation.
As Syrian forces took positions near Sweida, the government reported that Bedouin fighters had retreated from the city. Local residents described a tense calm following days of violent conflict that resulted in hundreds of deaths. The violence has raised concerns about the deepening sectarian divides in the region, with Druze groups wary of government oversight and Bedouin tribes demanding accountability.
The humanitarian situation remains dire, with over 80,000 people displaced and local infrastructure severely damaged. The ongoing conflict underscores the complexities of the Syrian crisis, as U.S. envoy Tom Barrack emphasized the need for peace and dialogue at this critical juncture. The fragile ceasefire continues to be tested by sporadic violence, threatening the stability of the region and the effectiveness of international mediation efforts.
