Sheikh al-Hijri reveals ceasefire terms, southern tribes commit
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Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri announces the terms of the Sweida ceasefire as the southern tribes commit to the deal and the Men of Dignity accuse the government of violating the agreement.
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Bedouin fighters deploy at Mazraa village on the outskirts of Sweida city, during clashes between the Bedouin clans and Druze militias, southern Syria, Friday, July 18, 2025 (AP)
The spiritual leader of the Druze Unitarian community, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, announced the text of the ceasefire agreement in Sweida, as southern tribes declared their commitment to the deal, while the Men of Dignity movement accused the government of continuing to violate the terms.
Sheikh al-Hijri announced on Saturday that a comprehensive ceasefire agreement has been reached, following negotiations brokered by guarantor states and involving local factions.
The statement from the Spiritual Leadership Council outlined that the agreement stipulates the deployment of Public Security checkpoints beyond the administrative borders of Sweida Province to prevent clashes and curb infiltration attempts. Additionally, it bars any armed group from entering the border villages for 48 hours, allowing time for security forces from the opposing side to deploy and preempt any surprise attacks.
The agreement also guaranteed the safe and secure passage for remaining tribespeople inside the province to exit, accompanied by local armed factions without obstruction, while establishing secure humanitarian corridors through Busra al-Harir and Busra al-Sham.
The statement called on local armed groups to refrain from movements outside Sweida and to maintain the ceasefire, warning that any party violating the agreement's terms would bear full responsibility for the collapse of the understandings.
In an appeal issued by the Spiritual Leadership Council, they urged the province's youth to demonstrate maximum coordination and responsibility in resolving the crisis that has prolonged the suffering of innocent civilians.
Southern Tribes commit to ceasefire
In a related development, the Southern Tribes Coalition issued a statement declaring its immediate and full commitment to the ceasefire, in alignment with the Presidency's decision and out of concern for preventing further bloodshed.
The statement demanded "the immediate release of detained tribespeople as a first step toward building trust," along with ensuring the safe return of all displaced persons to their homes without exception or preconditions and establishing dialogue channels to prevent any recurrence of violence.
The statement commended the resilience of the local tribespeople, emphasizing they had never sought war but were compelled to take up arms to defend their honor when conflict was thrust upon them.
Men of Dignity: The government continues to violate the ceasefire
Meanwhile, the Men of Dignity movement released a statement accusing government-backed groups of continuing to attack villages and towns, assaulting unarmed civilians, burning property, and committing violations in full view of the international community.
The movement stated it still loses fighters daily, calling resistance against "terrorist invaders" a national and moral duty, further accusing government-backed militants of blatantly violating all agreements while attacking civilians, with complicit media providing cover.
Earlier today, the Syrian presidency announced an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Sweida, southern Syria. Security forces began deploying to several areas to enforce the truce, maintain public order, and protect civilians and property, measures aimed at reinforcing calm and stability.
