Ceasefire and Troop Deployment
According to local and international sources, at dawn, large convoys of the Internal Security Forces rolled into the town of al-Mazraa, 12 km west of Suwayda city, and set up positions on surrounding roads “by the ceasefire agreement,” eyewitnesses told state television. Additional checkpoints were established on the province’s western approaches and in several countryside villages throughout the afternoon.
How The Battle Unfolded
The fighting erupted Monday when Bedouin tribal fighters stormed Omran Roundabout in central Suwayda and seized three neighbourhoods from militias loyal to Druze cleric Hikmat al-Hijri, capturing “a large number” of his men in the process. By Wednesday, clashes had spread across the city as al-Hijri fighters tried – and failed – to regain lost ground, prompting fresh government deployments and, according to tribal sources, Israeli air-strikes on Syrian units near Damascus and in the south.
Political messages – and a Strategic Misread
In a nationally broadcast address, interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa praised “the honorable stance of the tribes,” said Syria alone could safeguard its territory, and thanked Washington for reaffirming support for the country’s unity. Behind the scenes, however, eight officials and diplomats told Reuters that Damascus moved forces south after misreading U.S. statements on the need for a “centralized Syrian state” as a tacit green light. This misinterpretation triggered Israel’s intervention once Druze casualties mounted.
The Druze Clergy Intervene
Late Friday night, the Spiritual Presidency of the Druze Monotheists, led by Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, announced a five-point plan negotiated “under the auspices of guarantor countries.” Key terms include:
• Public-Security checkpoints outside Suwayda’s administrative borders;
• a 48-hour ban on all armed entry into border villages;
• safe passage for remaining Bedouin tribe members to leave the province;
• two humanitarian exit corridors at Busra al-Harir and Busra al-Sham; and
• A freeze on militia movements beyond the governorate lines.
Hours later, al-Hijri himself surrendered and urged his followers to lay down their arms and “join the state”.
Humanitarian Toll and Next Steps
The Syrian Network for Human Rights puts the death toll at 321, including women, children, and medical personnel, with reports of “field executions by all sides” still being verified. Interior Ministry spokesman Nour al-Din al-Baba said security forces will now secure the release of hostages, open humanitarian corridors, and facilitate the return of state institutions to Suwayda, stressing “broad cooperation from the tribes” to ensure the truce holds.
The presidency has warned that any violation of the deal “will be met with decisive measures.” At the same time, U.S. and regional mediators continue to press combatants to convert the fragile truce into a lasting settlement for the volatile, minority-dominated province.
Photo: Syria Tv