Syrian security forces enforce ceasefire in Suwayda, interior minister says

ISTANBUL

Syrian internal security forces have successfully enforced a ceasefire in the city of Suwayda, preparing the ground for a prisoner exchange and a gradual return to stability across the southern province, the interior minister said Sunday.

“After days of bloodshed in Suwayda, internal security forces managed to calm the situation following their deployment in the northern and western areas of the province,” Anas Khattab said in statements carried by the state news agency SANA.

He emphasized that security forces implemented the ceasefire inside the city, marking the first step toward exchanging hostages and restoring order throughout Suwayda.

Earlier, SANA reported that internal security units had deployed along the outskirts of the province to ensure the ceasefire’s implementation and protect civilians.

US Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack confirmed via X that “As of 17:00 (1400 GMT) Damascus time, all parties have navigated to a pause and cessation of hostilities.”

“Escalating hostilities can only be contained with an agreement to pause violence, protect the innocent, allow humanitarian access, and step back from danger,” he added.

“The next foundation stone on a path to inclusion, and lasting de-escalation, is a complete exchange of hostages and detainees, the logistics of which are in process,” the diplomat said.

As of Sunday evening, no exchange had taken place between Druze armed groups and Bedouin tribes, and talks remain ongoing, SANA reported.

On July 13, clashes erupted between Bedouin Arab tribes and armed Druze factions in Suwayda.

Government forces moved into the area to impose order but came under attack by what officials called “outlaw Druze groups,” resulting in the deaths of several soldiers.

In response to the escalating violence, the Syrian government announced four ceasefire deals in Suwayda, the latest of which was brokered Saturday.

However, the previous three quickly collapsed. Fighting resumed Friday after fighters loyal to Druze cleric Hikmat al-Hijri reportedly expelled Bedouin residents and committed rights violations.

The new Syrian government has been working to re-establish order nationwide since the ouster of former President Bashar Assad on Dec. 8, 2024, ending his 24-year rule.