On Saturday, July 19, 2025, Syria’s government announced a ceasefire in Suwayda, a city in the south where fighting between Druze and Bedouin groups has caused a lot of trouble. The government is sending security forces to stop the violence and keep people safe after days of chaos that killed hundreds. Israel stepped in with airstrikes, and the United States helped make the ceasefire happen, but things are still messy because fighting didn’t fully stop.
Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa went on TV and said Israel’s actions made tensions worse, calling it a risky moment for the country. He thanked the US for helping with the peace deal and said the goal is to protect Syrians and keep the nation together.
Ceasefire News Hits Suwayda
The ceasefire started early Saturday morning when Syria’s leaders said they wanted to end the bloodshed and keep the country united. President al-Sharaa told everyone he got calls from other countries asking him to bring peace back to Suwayda. The Interior Ministry, which handles security, sent out a message saying forces are moving into the area to guard people and stop the mess. A spokesperson, Noureddine al-Baba, shared this on Telegram, but no one knows yet if the troops got to the city or are still outside it.
Violence Takes Over Suwayda
For almost a week, Suwayda has been a war zone. Druze and Bedouin fighters, along with some government troops, have been battling it out, and it’s left a big mark. The trouble started because of bad feelings between these groups, and then Israel jumped in, making it worse. On Wednesday, Israel bombed Syria’s defense building in Damascus and hit government forces in Suwayda, saying they wanted to protect the Druze, who they call friends. But this just turned up the heat.
Syria’s Health Ministry says at least 260 people died, and about 80,000 had to run away from their homes. The fighting knocked out power and water for lots of folks, leaving them in a tough spot.
Other Countries Get Involved
The United States worked with Israel and Syria to set up this ceasefire. An Israeli official said they’re okay with Syrian forces staying in Suwayda for two days to calm things down. But Israel’s moves have people talking. Some think they’re more about power than helping the Druze. Al Jazeera’s Nour Odeh pointed out that Israel might be trying to look like the boss in the Middle East.
This outside help from the US and Israel mixes things up even more. Syria was starting to get along better with Israel before this, but now that trust is shaky.
What Happens Next in Syria?
This ceasefire could bring peace, but it’s not a sure thing yet. Bedouin fighters want more info from the government about the deal, and Druze leaders can’t agree—some like it, some say they’ll keep fighting. In Damascus, Bedouin guys are getting ready to head to Suwayda to back up their buddies. One fighter, Taher al-Ahmad, told Al Jazeera their beef is with a Druze leader, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, who they think works with Israel.
People in Suwayda just want the fighting to stop. Sending in security forces sounds good to them, but fixing everything will take a while. The area’s been stuck in conflict for years, and getting everyone to get along again won’t be easy.
My Take on This
I think this ceasefire matters a lot for Suwayda because the people there have been through so much. Israel and the US getting involved shows how big countries can change what’s happening in smaller places. It’s good they’re trying to stop the violence, but we need to watch if everyone sticks to the plan. Suwayda’s got a lot of different groups who don’t always see eye to eye, so the government has to work hard to keep the peace. For now, folks there are crossing their fingers, but they’re not sure if this is the end of the trouble or just a break.
Sources: Al Jazeera (aljazeera.com)
