Global (Commonwealth Union) _ A fragile ceasefire in Syria’s Sweida province appears to be holding following a week of intense unrest, which left more than 1,000 people dead. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the toll included over 500 Druze, nearly 200 of whom had reportedly been executed by government personnel, and over 300 government security forces.
The violence in southern Syria was possibly one of the bloodiest episodes that took place during recent years, and prompted a sharp reaction from the United States, which has been actively involved in de-escalation efforts alongside Israel, Jordan, and officials in Damascus. Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, described the events as a “calamity” and emphasised that “the rape and slaughter of innocent people” must stop.
Rival tribal militias allegedly instigated the fighting in Sweida, a predominantly Druze city, as tensions flared. On Saturday, Druze fighters launched a major offensive to retake the city, forcing back Bedouin forces that had seized control. The following day, Syrian state forces redeployed in the area, and a ceasefire was announced, reportedly brokered by the US. The government later verified that all tribal fighters have been evacuated from Sweida.
However, clashes continue in other parts of Sweida province despite the ceasefire, indicating that stability remains fragile. Israeli airstrikes earlier in the week further escalated tensions. Israel initially targeted Islamist fighters near the Golan Heights which came after many from the Israeli Druze community, who were reported to have relatives in Sweida, crossed over into Syria to defend their family members.
The situation has also raised concerns in Washington. According to reports, several White House officials have expressed frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military actions, fearing they could destabilise ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Meanwhile, a viral video shows Syrian militias forcibly shaving the moustaches of captured Druze men, a culturally sensitive act. For many Druze men, the moustache is a symbol of honour and identity, and its removal is widely interpreted as both humiliation and a message of dominance, drawing condemnation across the region.
