Syrian gov’t reports ceasefire deal with Druze groups ready to work with state
The Interior Ministry has confirmed to Al Jazeera that a ceasefire has been reached with Druze groups in Suwayda – groups that have been ready and willing to deal with the new authorities in Damascus.
This deal, according to the Interior Ministry, will involve the deployment of government forces. They will set up checkpoints and this area will be fully integrated into the Syrian state.
This is a very different agreement than what has been reached in the past during negotiated settlements to end bouts of violence. This agreement involves the government maintaining a presence in Suwayda.
This deal is reportedly with groups that are ready to work with the state. But there are Druze groups that are not ready to work with the state. One of them is led by Sheikh al-Hijri, whose whereabouts are not known.
What we understand is that government forces have taken control of much of Suwayda city.
Did those who oppose the government’s presence leave the area? Will there be another counteroffensive? It’s too early to say, and the situation is still quite fluid on the ground.
There was a ceasefire 24 hours ago, but there were no details. Now, a deal is reportedly in place, where the government will maintain its presence in Suwayda. But the biggest question now is how Israel will react to this deal.
Druze religious leader says new ceasefire deal reached
Following the confirmation by Syria’s Interior Ministry of a ceasefire agreement, Druze religious leader Sheikh Yousef Jarbou has also said there has been a deal with the government in Suwayda, which will take immediate effect.
He made the announcement in a video broadcast by state media.
Syria’s Interior Ministry releases details on Suwayda ceasefire deal
Syria’s state media has published an Interior Ministry statement about the ceasefire deal, announcing:
- An agreement on an immediate cessation of all military operations and a commitment by all parties to de-escalate the situation in Suwayda.
- The formation of a committee comprising representatives of the state and religious leaders to oversee the implementation of the ceasefire.
- The agreement’s stipulation that security and police checkpoints be deployed, with the participation of police personnel from Suwayda.
- The use of officers and personnel from Suwayda to assume leadership and executive duties.
