Syrian army withdrawing from Suwayda after days of sectarian clashes

The Syrian army is withdrawing its units from the city of As-Suwayda, where clashes with local armed groups have been ongoing for four days.

The Syrian army units are gradually pulling out of the city after the Syrian administration reached a ceasefire agreement with local armed groups and tribal leaders in As-Suwayda province, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

Military sources in As-Suwayda claim that the threat of an Israeli attack remains.

Overall, calm has reportedly prevailed following the ceasefire.

Recently, the southern Syrian province of As-Suwayda witnessed renewed tensions and violent clashes between local Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin groups. The conflict was sparked by the abduction of a Druze trader, which quickly escalated into fierce fighting from July 11 to 13.

The Syrian government forces intervened in an attempt to stabilise the situation, but their presence inadvertently intensified the violence, leading to civilian casualties and accusations of abuses against the Druze population.

Amid the turmoil, a ceasefire was negotiated around July 15–16 between the Interior Ministry and Druze leaders, prompting a partial withdrawal of government troops from the city. However, some Druze factions rejected the truce, and sporadic violence continued. Israel launched airstrikes near As-Suwayda and Damascus on July 15–16, targeting military convoys and government infrastructure. Tel Aviv claimed the strikes aimed to protect the Druze community and prevent Islamist militant expansion near the Golan Heights.

By Khagan Isayev