Clashes rage in Druze region as Syria struggles to enforce ceasefire

Sectarian violence intensified in Syria’s mainly Druze area of Sweida on Saturday, with gunfire and mortar explosions echoing following days of violence, as the Islamist-led government faced challenges in enforcing a ceasefire.

Witnesses reported hearing gunfire within the city of Sweida and observed shells striking neighboring villages. There were no immediate, verified reports of fatalities. The government stated that security forces were being sent to the southern region to help maintain peace and called on all sides to cease hostilities after nearly a week of factional violence resulting in hundreds of deaths. Late Saturday, the interior ministry announced that confrontations in Sweida city had stopped and the area had been cleared of Bedouin tribal fighters following the deployment.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring organization based in Britain, reported that fighting around Sweida has resulted in the deaths of at least 940 individuals since last week. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa stated that “Arab and American” mediation had contributed to restoring peace prior to the escalation of clashes. He condemned Israel for its airstrikes throughout the week.

The ongoing fighting in southern Syria presents a challenge to Sharaa’s Islamist-led government, which assumed control post-Assad. The clashes began last week between the Druze minority and Bedouin tribes, escalating with government forces clashing with Druze gunmen. Violence has escalated, prompting Israeli airstrikes in southern Syria under the pretext of protecting the Druze, a minority in both countries.

The U.S. supports a unified Syria under Sharaa, while Israel views his government as a threat to minorities. A ceasefire was announced by Sharaa amid the violence, which has left many wounded, according to local medical sources. Tensions remain high, with differing strategies from the U.S. and Israel regarding Syria’s future, and the conflict continues to impact local communities significantly.