Syria Declares Ceasefire After Deadly Sweida Clashes

Syria's defense minister, Murhaf Abu Qasra, declared a ceasefire in the Druze-majority city of Sweida following deadly clashes between government forces and Druze fighters. The violence began after Bedouin gunmen abducted a Druze vendor, triggering retaliations, and escalated as government troops moved to regain control of the city, which had been held by Druze factions. The ceasefire followed an agreement with local leaders, with most Druze religious figures urging fighters to lay down arms. Meanwhile, Israeli forces launched significant air strikes against Syrian military assets in Sweida, aiming to prevent the Syrian regime's advance and protect the Druze community, with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warning Damascus against harming the Druze. The Israeli military stated the strikes targeted armored vehicles and supply routes to disrupt Syrian troop movements, describing the operation as a test of Israel's policy to demilitarize southern Syria. The ceasefire reportedly led to the cessation of gunfire, and government forces planned to hand over neighborhoods to internal security once combing operations concluded.