Syrian President Vows Druze Protection Amidst Southern Violence and Israeli Strikes
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced on Thursday that local leaders would assume control of security in the southern city of Suwayda, aiming to quell sectarian violence and address the aftermath of deadly Israeli airstrikes near Damascus, Al Jazeera reported. In a televised address, al-Sharaa emphasized that protecting Syria’s Druze citizens and their rights is a top priority for his administration.
The President’s remarks follow days of intense clashes in the predominantly Druze city, involving Druze armed groups, Sunni Bedouin tribes, and government forces. The unrest initially flared on Sunday after the abduction of a Druze merchant, leading to armed confrontations that escalated despite the deployment of interim government security forces.
Israel, which considers the Druze a loyal minority, particularly in the occupied Golan Heights, launched a series of strikes near Syria’s presidential palace and military headquarters in Damascus on Wednesday. Israel warned of further escalation if Syrian government forces did not withdraw from the south and halt attacks against the Druze community.
“We are eager to hold accountable those who transgressed and abused our Druze people because they are under the protection and responsibility of the state,” al-Sharaa stated, calling the minority “a fundamental part of the fabric of this nation.” He affirmed the government’s commitment to protecting their rights and freedoms, rejecting any attempts to sow division.
The decision to hand over security responsibility to religious elders and local factions comes after a new ceasefire was announced by the Syrian government and Druze leader Sheikh Yousef Jarbou, with Syrian military vehicles reportedly seen withdrawing from Suwayda overnight. However, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajari, another influential Druze leader, reportedly rejected the ceasefire, vowing to continue fighting until Suwayda is “entirely liberated.”
The recent violence in southern Syria has resulted in a significant death toll, with local sources telling Al Jazeera that at least 169 people have been killed. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported a higher figure, exceeding 360 fatalities.
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned all violence against civilians, calling for transparent investigations into killings and injuries and urging Israel to respect Syria’s sovereignty and cease airstrikes. UN humanitarian partners report overwhelmed medical services and disrupted essential infrastructure. The UN Human Rights Council’s Syria Commission of Inquiry expressed grave concern over reports of killings, abductions, looting, and hate speech, emphasizing the interim government’s responsibility to protect human rights and facilitate humanitarian access. Investigations into alleged abuses in Sweida have commenced.
