Sweida ceasefire guarantors must fulfill vows: Sheikh al-Hijri
2 Min Read
Druze leaders in Syria, led by Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, call for international protection amid Sweida violence and ceasefire violations.
-
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)
Druze leaders urge international powers to enforce a ceasefire and protect their community in Syria amid escalating violence, accusing opposing forces of violating the truce and committing atrocities.
The spiritual leadership of the Druze community, headed by Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, appealed in a statement today, Saturday, to the guarantor states of the ceasefire agreement to fulfill their commitments to "halt this offensive and impose direct international protection for Syria's Druze."
Al-Hijri stated that it was "deeply disappointing and disgraceful that the other party has not honored the ceasefire, while the attacking militias persist in carrying out appalling crimes."
Earlier on Saturday, Syria's presidential office declared a full and immediate ceasefire in Sweida, as security forces started deploying to multiple locations to "enforce the truce, preserve public order, protect civilians and their property, and reinforce de-escalation efforts."
The Syrian presidency warned against any violation of the decision, considering it a "clear breach of national sovereignty," adding that such actions would be "met with necessary legal measures in accordance with the constitution and applicable laws."
Druze leadership warns of violations
Earlier in the day, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, the spiritual leader of Syria's Druze community, confirmed the successful negotiation of a complete ceasefire in Sweida, as the Druze religious leadership issued a statement urging local armed factions to avoid military movements beyond Sweida's borders and uphold the truce. The Druze leadership explicitly warned that violators would be held entirely accountable for any breakdown of the negotiated settlement.
The Druze religious leadership appealed directly to Sweida's youth, calling for disciplined coordination and responsible action to resolve the prolonged crisis harming local civilians.
Alongside Sheikh al-Hijri's announcement, Syria's "Southern Tribes Alliance" released a statement declaring its full and immediate compliance with the ceasefire, "in alignment with the presidency's decision and out of commitment to prevent further bloodshed."
In response, the Men of Dignity movement issued a statement declaring that "resisting terrorist invaders is both a national and moral duty," while accusing government-backed groups of continuing to "attack villages and towns, assault innocent civilians, burn their property, and commit violations."
