A spokesperson for the Syrian Ministry of Interior announced today that security forces are preparing to redeploy in the city of Suwayda to quell clashes between Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes.
Late Thursday, the Syrian presidency accused Druze fighters in Suwayda of violating a ceasefire agreement, which had led to the withdrawal of government forces from the predominantly Druze province in the south of the country.
In a statement, the presidency described the actions of “outlaw forces” in Suwayda as initiating a “horrific wave of violence,” which had been documented globally and involved committing egregious acts that completely contradict mediation efforts, directly threatening civil peace and contributing to chaos and security breakdown.
The statement also warned against “continued blatant Israeli interventions in Syrian internal affairs, which only lead to further disorder and destruction and complicate the regional situation.”
The presidency clarified that the decision to withdraw government troops from the province stemmed from “the Syrian state’s desire to prevent further escalation, responding to U.S.-Arab mediation to allow room for de-escalation efforts in Suwayda, based on a clear understanding that requires outlaw forces to refrain from revenge or violence against civilians.”
While stressing the call for “all parties to exercise restraint and calm,” the statement affirmed “full commitment to hold accountable anyone involved in committing crimes and violating the law, regardless of their affiliations.”
Additionally, the presidency reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting all Syrian citizens, regardless of their sects and components, stating that “the Syrian government will continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard its citizens and uphold their dignity, without any leniency towards threats to civil peace or national sovereignty.”