Israeli drone strikes hit Sweida as clashes escalate in Syria's south
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Israeli drone strikes target Walgha and western Sweida as clashes erupt between Druze factions and Arab tribal militias in southern Syria.
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Smoke rises from an Israeli airstrike that hit Jbab village on the outskirts of Daraa city, southern Syria, Wednesday, July 16, 2025. (AP)
Local Syrian sources reported that Israeli occupation drones carried out airstrikes on the village of Walgha in the countryside of the Governorate of Sweida, as well as in areas surrounding the city itself. The strikes came amid heightened field tensions and armed advances by tribal factions toward the city.
One of the Israeli drone strikes reportedly targeted Arab tribal fighters near the western entrance of Sweida, in southern Syria. The incident marks a dangerous escalation as the country is just now reeling from internal clashes.
According to local reports, intense fighting broke out between Druze military factions and tribal armed groups, particularly in the western countryside of Sweida, where several villages and towns have witnessed violent confrontations in recent days.
Preliminary reports about explosions being heard in Damascus were also circulated on social media platforms.
The timing of the Israeli airstrikes, coinciding with the tribal push into Sweida, has raised serious concerns among observers, who view the developments as part of a broader effort to destabilize the region and fragment Syria’s internal fabric.
Syria says ceasefire deal reached
The Syrian Interior Ministry confirmed earlier on Wednesday that an agreement has been reached to implement a comprehensive ceasefire in the southern province of Sweida, following days of armed clashes and failed truce efforts.
According to a source in the ministry, cited by the SANA news agency, the ceasefire entails an immediate halt to all military operations and the commitment of all parties to end hostilities. The agreement follows mediation efforts by both state authorities and local Druze leadership.
In a formal statement, the headquarters of the Druze Muslim Community in Syria announced the full cessation of hostilities, with Sheikh Youssef al-Jarbou stating that a joint monitoring committee, comprising representatives of the Syrian state and prominent Druze sheikhs, will oversee the implementation of the truce.
As part of the ceasefire terms, checkpoints will be jointly manned by members of the national security forces and police officers from the state, as well as police affiliates from Sweida. The agreement emphasizes respect for civilian life, the sanctity of private homes, and the protection of public and private property.
Syrian army withdraws from Sweida
Syrian Arab Army units began withdrawing from the southern city of Sweida on Wednesday, marking the implementation of a ceasefire agreement reached between the Syrian state and senior Druze religious leaders in the province, according to the state-run SANA news agency.
The withdrawal follows an earlier announcement by the Interior Ministry confirming that a full ceasefire had been agreed upon after several days of armed clashes and heightened security tensions in the city.
The HQs of the Druze Muslim Community in Syria also issued a statement declaring an immediate halt to all military operations and confirming that all sides had committed to de-escalation.
A joint monitoring committee composed of representatives from the Syrian government and Druze religious leadership has been formed to oversee the implementation of the ceasefire.
As part of the agreement, internal security checkpoints will be established across Sweida, manned by police officers and local security personnel from within the province.
