Syrian ministry source reveals Sweida ceasefire details on state TV
A ceasefire takes effect in Syria’s Sweida province, involving Druze leadership, security forces, and humanitarian corridors to Daraa.
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Syrian security forces ride in the back of a pickup truck on the international highway near Izraa, in rural Daraa province, Syria, Saturday, July 19, 2025 (AP)
A well-informed source in the Syrian Interior Ministry spoke to state television about details related to the terms of the ceasefire agreement in Sweida, which was reached through international mediation. The agreement stipulates that the terms will be implemented within 48 hours, after which the situation will be reassessed.
The source clarified that the agreement involves deploying internal security forces to act as peacekeepers in much of Sweida’s western and northern countryside. These units will secure main roads and strategic government-held locations but will not enter urban areas to prevent tensions amid the current delicate conditions.
The deal also establishes humanitarian corridors between Daraa and Sweida, with crossings at Busra al-Sham and Busra al-Harir, to allow civilians, the injured, and others seeking to evacuate from Sweida to leave safely.
The agreement also stipulates efforts to secure the release of all detained Bedouin civilians currently held in areas under the control of what the source described as "outlaw groups", with prisoner and detainee exchanges expected to take place "after the successful implementation of the agreement in the coming period."
Syrian presidency, Sheikh al-Hijri announce ceasefire
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
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."
'Israel', US in disagreement over Syria
Sectarian violence intensified in Syria's Druze-majority Sweida province on Saturday, with sustained machine gun fire and mortar exchanges erupting following days of deadly clashes as the Syrian administration faced mounting challenges in enforcing its fragile ceasefire agreement.
"Israel" and Washington maintain divergent positions on Syria; the US is advocating for a unified state under President Sharaa's administration, which has committed to inclusive governance, representing all Syrians. Meanwhile, "Israel" contends that Damascus remains controlled by extremist elements posing an existential threat to vulnerable minority communities.
An Israeli official confirmed on Friday that "Israel" had granted Syrian forces restricted access to Sweida for a 48-hour period.