Syrian Forces Enforce Ceasefire in Suwayda after Deadly Druze-Bedouin Clashes

After days of deadly clashes in Syria's Druze-majority city of Suwayda, the Syrian government deployed forces to restore order, declaring a complete ceasefire following an agreement with local notables. The fighting, which killed at least 99 people including Druze fighters, Bedouin tribesmen, and security personnel, erupted from longstanding tensions and a series of kidnappings between Druze armed factions and Bedouin groups. Initially, Druze spiritual leaders supported the government forces' entry and urged fighters to surrender their weapons, but later some Druze political figures accused the government of attacking residents, calling for resistance. The Syrian Ministry of Interior imposed a curfew and called on residents to report illegal armed groups, emphasizing the need to restore state authority amid a security vacuum. Meanwhile, Israel conducted airstrikes targeting Syrian military positions in Suwayda, citing its pledge to protect the Druze minority. The Syrian government blamed unidentified outlaw groups for the violence and emphasized that resolution efforts align with the presidency's vision to reestablish state control and civil peace in the province.