Calm Reported in Syria’s Sweida as Damascus Says Ceasefire Holding
After days of fierce clashes and heavy casualties, a fragile calm has returned to Syria’s southern province of Sweida, with Damascus announcing that a ceasefire between local Druze militias and rival Bedouin groups is currently holding. The truce, brokered with the help of external mediators including the United States, comes after a week of intense sectarian fighting that left over 1,000 people dead and displaced tens of thousands.
Sweida, predominantly inhabited by the Druze religious minority, has been largely spared the full-scale warfare seen in other parts of Syria during the civil war. However, recent tensions between Druze self-defense forces and Sunni Bedouin tribes escalated into open violence. The trigger reportedly came after a land dispute and a series of retaliatory kidnappings, which quickly spiraled into urban warfare. Local sources say militias used heavy weapons, including mortars and anti-tank rockets, causing massive destruction in parts of the province.
Damascus has confirmed that Bedouin fighters have now withdrawn from several contested neighborhoods, allowing government-aligned security forces to re-enter and restore order. Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab stated on Sunday that, “Sweida is returning to normal. The ceasefire is holding, and efforts are underway to facilitate humanitarian access and begin rebuilding.”
The humanitarian situation, however, remains dire. Over 120,000 residents have been displaced, according to UN estimates, while medical services in the region are near collapse. Sweida’s central hospital has reportedly run out of essential medicines, with field clinics unable to meet the demand of injured civilians and fighters. Electricity and water remain disrupted in large areas, and food supplies are critically low.
Aid deliveries have begun trickling in after local Druze leaders agreed to allow Red Crescent convoys access to the affected areas. A joint U.S.-UN initiative helped coordinate the delivery of medical equipment and food. In a surprising move, Israel has also facilitated humanitarian assistance, citing strong cross-border ties with the Druze community. While Israel has denied direct involvement in the conflict, its earlier airstrikes targeting Syrian military infrastructure were widely seen as a show of support for the Druze.
The ceasefire agreement includes the exchange of prisoners, withdrawal of armed groups from residential areas, and a monitoring mechanism involving both local representatives and international observers. U.S. envoy Tom Barrack, who played a key role in mediating the truce, emphasized the need for continued dialogue. “The ceasefire is a positive first step,” he said, “but only long-term political reconciliation can guarantee peace in Sweida.”
Still, tensions remain high. Druze leaders, especially the influential Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, have expressed skepticism toward the Syrian government’s intentions, warning against any return to forced central control. Residents remain wary of a resurgence of violence, with many homes still flying white flags to signify neutrality.