Syria: Bedouin civilians leave Sweida as tense truce holds

Syria: Bedouin civilians leave Sweida as tense truce holds
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Hundreds of Bedouin civilians have been evacuated from Syria’s Druze-majority city of Sweida following a fragile ceasefire aimed at ending days of intense fighting in southern Syria, Reuters reported. The truce, supported by the United States, took effect on Sunday as security forces deployed around Sweida’s outskirts. Interior Minister Anas Khattab announced the ceasefire would enable the release of hostages and detainees held by both sides.

The violence, which began a week ago, pits Druze fighters against Sunni Bedouin tribes, with the Syrian government’s Islamist-led forces caught in the conflict. The clashes have resulted in significant casualties, with estimates ranging from over 550 to more than 1,000 killed, according to local monitoring groups. The unrest has deepened divisions in Syria, a country fractured by 14 years of civil war.

Eyewitnesses report brutal attacks, including the killing of Bedouin family members in the town of Shahba. Displaced Bedouin families have sought shelter in nearby provinces. Druze activists describe ongoing tensions despite the ceasefire.

The United Nations reports that at least 93,000 people have been displaced by the fighting, while humanitarian aid convoys face delays entering the area. Israel recently launched airstrikes targeting government forces to protect the Druze and maintain a demilitarized south.

U.S. envoy Tom Barrack called for Syrian government accountability, emphasizing the need for responsible governance amid the crisis. The situation remains fragile as efforts continue to stabilize the region.