Background of the Clashes
Violence erupted in Suweida province late last week when Druze militias and Bedouin tribes clashed over the abduction of a local merchant on the highway to Damascus. The fighting quickly spread into the city and nearby towns, drawing in Syrian defence forces that entered to restore order and protect allied tribal fighters.
Over the next three days Israeli jets carried out raids on government positions in Damascus and southern Syria in response to the threats against the Druze community. Sources report that more than 350 people have died since Sunday as skirmishes moved into densely populated areas and military hardware brought fresh waves of destruction to civilian zones. bbc.com and reuters.com
Details of the US‐Mediated Agreement
On Wednesday night US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on his social media account that Washington had secured “specific steps” to end the bloodshed in Suweida. At the same time Syria’s state news agency reported that under a deal brokered by local religious leaders and the government, troops will withdraw once they finish chasing armed groups marked as outlaws.
The Syrian foreign ministry praised the US and other Arab parties for their role in reaching a peaceful outcome. At last report Israel has not issued a statement on the ceasefire arrangement.
Impact of Israeli Strikes on Damascus
Israeli forces struck the ministry of defence in central Damascus and targeted weapons depots and armoured convoys bound for Suweida. The raids aimed to pressure Syria’s interim president Ahmed al‐Sharaa to keep his promise to safeguard the Druze sect, whose faith links them to communities on the Israeli side of the Golan frontier.
Witnesses in Damascus told reporters they heard jets dive low over the city before explosions sent crowds scattering in the streets. A filmmaker in the area described roofs shaking under the impact of the blasts and people rushing to shelter behind walls and under awnings.
Humanitarian Toll and Local Response
Aid monitors report that the humanitarian situation in Suweida city worsened as shortages of medical supplies and running water drove families to flee their homes. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights wrote that fighting at the national hospital forced staff to suspend treatment of the growing number of wounded.
Local residents described ambulances unable to navigate blocked roads and families trapped under heavy artillery fire from both militia fighters and government forces. sohr.org and reuters.com
Analysis of the Agreement’s Prospects
In my view this deal offers a fragile pause rather than a lasting end to conflict. Both sides have a history of rapid ceasefire collapse once foreign pressure lifts. And sectarian mistrust runs deep after months of clashes that saw security forces accused of abusing civilians. Yearning for calm, residents will welcome the withdrawal of troops, but a stable peace will need follow‐up talks and a stronger role for neutral monitors on the ground.
Sources: bbc.com
