Ceasefire Pauses Syria Sweida Clashes Amid Crisis

A ceasefire brokered by Turkey, Jordan, and other neighboring countries has paused deadly clashes in Syria’s southern Sweida province between Druze militias, Bedouin tribes, and government forces, following a week of violence that killed over 300 people and displaced tens of thousands. Israel launched airstrikes on Damascus and southern Syria, citing the protection of the Druze minority, but the U.S. clarified it did not support these actions and sought to de-escalate tensions. The agreement, announced by U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Syria Tom Barrack, calls for all factions to disarm and pursue a peaceful, united Syrian identity. The ceasefire permits limited Syrian regime security forces to re-enter Sweida under strict conditions to separate warring groups and restore order. Lebanese Druze leaders have criticized Israel, arguing its intervention worsened unrest under the pretext of Druze protection. The situation remains unstable amid a severe humanitarian crisis and ongoing displacement.