Fighting in Suwayda killed at least 260 people
The Syrian government has released a new death toll from the fighting around Suwayda in recent days, saying 260 people have been killed.
Fierce fighting has broken out between armed Druze groups, Bedouin tribes and government forces over the past week.
On Friday, Syria’s minister of disaster management and emergency response said the government had recovered 87 bodies and treated more than 570 people wounded in the clashes. He added that hundreds of families had fled the south amid the violence.
Bedouin and tribal fighters deploy in Suwayda on Friday
Syria’s president announces ‘immediate and comprehensive’ ceasefire
Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa has announced an “immediate and comprehensive” ceasefire in response to days of sectarian violence around the Druze-majority city of Suwayda.
In a statement, al-Sharaa said the ceasefire was being declared “in light of the critical circumstances the country is going through, and out of concern to spare Syrian blood, preserve the unity of Syrian territory, the safety of its people, and in response to national and humanitarian responsibility”.
He said he called on all parties “to fully commit to this decision and to immediately cease all hostilities in all regions, ensure the protection of civilians, and guarantee the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid”, adding that security had begun deploying “in several areas” to enforce it.
Syria’s president added that:
- The Israeli intervention reignited tensions in Suwayda following the blatant bombing of the south and Damascus.
- We appreciate the role of the US in affirming its support for Syria and its unity.
Bedouin fighter says he plans to fight Druze over Israeli support
As Syria’s President al-Sharaa announced a ceasefire in the sectarian fighting in Suwayda, Bedouin fighters in Damascus were preparing to travel to the Druze-majority city to support Bedouin fighters there.
Taher al-Ahmad, one of the fighters, told Al Jazeera that their quarrel was with the forces loyal to Druze leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, due to Israel’s support for the Druze faction.
“Our plan is not to enter Suwayda to destroy or attack locals. Our issue is with those who support the Druze leader who is aligned with the Israeli occupation,” he said.
“We will show people our mercy before we demonstrate our strength against those who belong to the al-Hijri group, those who receive support from the Israelis and others who want to destroy Syria.”
Earlier in the week, Bedouin tribal leader Abdul Moneim al-Naseef had issued a call to fighters from across Syria to come to Suwayda and “save our people”.
