Syria declares Sweida ceasefire, al-Sharaa blames Israeli aggression
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The Syrian presidency declares a ceasefire in Sweida after deadly clashes, as interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa blames Israeli aggression for renewed tensions.
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Bedouin fighters deploy at Mazraa village on the outskirts of Sweida city on July 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Ghaith Alsayed)
The Syrian presidency announced on Saturday an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in the southern province of Sweida following escalating violence and deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the region.
In its statement, the presidency cited "the sensitive circumstances the country is experiencing," affirming that the move was driven by a commitment to spare Syrian bloodshed, preserve national unity, and uphold the safety of the people. It also described the decision as part of a broader sense of national and humanitarian responsibility.
The presidency urged all sides to fully comply with the resolution, emphasizing the role of the Syrian state, its institutions, and its forces in implementing the ceasefire responsibly. The statement added that the goal is to restore stability and strengthen the constitution.
According to reports, Syrian security forces have begun deploying across several areas in Sweida to maintain public order, ensure the protection of civilians and their property, and facilitate access for humanitarian aid. The presidency also called on all parties to immediately cease hostilities in all areas without exception.
Any breach of the ceasefire, the presidency warned, would constitute a "clear violation of national sovereignty" and would be met with appropriate legal action under the constitution and applicable laws. The announcement follows days of violent clashes in Sweida between Druze and tribal factions and forces from the New Syrian Army, which began on July 13.
The confrontations led to hundreds of casualties and a severe humanitarian crisis, including acute shortages in relief and essential services. A military campaign by Syrian government forces was launched shortly after in an attempt to regain control of the city.
Foreign intervention behind renewed tensions in Sweida: al-Sharaa
Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa also said in a speech on Saturday that renewed tensions in Sweida are partly the result of external interference, including Israeli aggression and pressure from foreign actors.
In a televised address, al-Sharaa revealed that Syria had received international calls urging it to intervene in the situation in Sweida and restore security and stability to the southern province.
He pointed to Israeli involvement as a contributing factor in the resurgence of unrest in Sweida, specifically referencing recent bombings in the South and Damascus, warning that such interventions are exacerbating internal instability.
The interim president commended the role of the United States in helping secure the recently announced ceasefire in the province. However, he stressed that the Syrian state remains "the only side capable of preserving the country's sovereignty."
Al-Sharaa reiterated that Syria "is not a testing field for secessionist plans," emphasizing that unity and territorial integrity remain non-negotiable principles of the Syrian state.
He also expressed gratitude toward the tribes for their stance during the recent unrest, cautioning against generalizations. "Not all Druze can be judged for the actions of a few," he said, calling for national cohesion in the face of division.
