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Syria declares ceasefire after deadly sectarian clashes
Syria’s defense minister announced a ceasefire on Tuesday after deadly sectarian violence in Sweida province, but fresh clashes and reports of civilian abuses continued to emerge.
The fighting, which erupted from retaliatory kidnappings between Sunni Bedouin tribes and Druze factions, has left over 160 people dead, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Government forces, deployed Monday to restore order, reportedly engaged in field executions and looting, including the killing of 12 men inside a rest house.
Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra said an agreement was reached with local leaders and that government troops would respond only to attacks. But local sources reported ongoing gunfire and rights violations.
Israel, citing protection of the Druze minority, launched strikes on Syrian military positions. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated the action was to prevent harm to Druze communities near the Israeli border. Syria condemned the airstrikes, calling them foreign interference.
Druze leaders initially urged fighters to surrender but retracted the call, accusing Damascus of breaking promises and targeting civilians.
Since President Bashar Assad's ouster last December, tensions have flared under Syria's new leadership, deepening sectarian divisions and drawing regional concern. The U.S. called for a peaceful resolution involving all parties, reports UNB.