Syrian army begins withdrawal from Sweida after ceasefire deal
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Syrian forces start pulling out of Sweida as part of a ceasefire agreement with Druze spiritual leaders, following days of armed clashes and local unrest.
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A tank for the Syrian government forces carried on a truck, which withdrew from Sweida city, passed at Mazraa village, southern Syria, Tuesday, July 15, 2025 (AP)
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.
Committee to oversee implementation of ceasefire
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.
The deal is seen as a step toward restoring calm in a region that had witnessed rare but intense armed unrest in recent days, with casualties reported and local governance temporarily disrupted.
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.
Druze leadership split over ceasefire agreement
The Druze community in Syria is characterized by having several spiritual leaders, and while that includes al-Jarbou, it also includes Sheikh Ahmad al-Hijri, as well as Sheikh Hammoud al-Hinnawi.
