Syrian authorities declare ceasefire in Suwayda after deadly clashes

Syrian authorities announced a full ceasefire in the southern city of Suwayda on July 15, following two days of intense fighting that left over 100 people dead. The clashes, which erupted between local factions and tribal groups, mark one of the deadliest escalations in the Druze-majority province in recent years.

Syrian Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra ordered all government units operating in Suwayda to halt operations, stating that forces would now respond only to direct attacks or gunfire from “outlaw groups.” The ceasefire comes after negotiations with community leaders and tribal elders led to a fragile agreement to end hostilities, Caliber.Az reports, citing the defence minister's post on X.

Clashes began on July 13 after a reported robbery on the Damascus highway escalated into a wave of kidnappings and armed confrontations. Violence peaked the following morning when Bedouin groups—allegedly backed by elements from Syria’s Defence and Interior Ministries—launched coordinated assaults from rural Daraa, targeting several villages in Suwayda’s western countryside.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that at least 116 people were killed in the fighting, including 64 Suwayda residents and 52 individuals from Bedouin tribes, government forces, and unidentified combatants in military uniforms. Dozens more, including children, were injured, with some in critical condition.

By Sabina Mammadli