​​​​HAMILTON, Canada

The UN on Thursday denounced reports of armed Druze groups in the southern Syrian province of Suwayda forcing dozens of Bedouin families to flee their homes despite a ceasefire agreement between local factions and the government.

Responding to Anadolu's question about the matter, spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay reiterated at a news conference Secretary General Antonio Guterres' condemnation of "all violence against civilians."

"We unequivocally condemn all violence against civilians, including all the reports of arbitrary killings and any acts that can fan the flames of sectarian tensions and rob the people of Syria of their opportunity for peace and reconciliation after years of brutal conflict," she said, adding that Guterres' call "remains the same today."

Estimates suggest that nearly one-third of the Bedouin population in Suwayda has left the region since fighting erupted last month.

Clashes in Suwayda, Israeli attacks

⁠On July 13, small-scale clashes broke out between Bedouin Arab tribes and Druze armed groups in Suwayda.

Dozens of soldiers were killed in attacks by Druze groups against security forces deployed to the area.

After the clashes escalated, a ceasefire was reached between the parties.

The ceasefire was broken shortly thereafter, and the Israeli army carried out attacks targeting Syrian security forces.

On July 16, the Israeli air force struck the Syrian presidential compound, the General Staff Headquarters and the Defense Ministry in the capital.

On the same day, a ceasefire was reestablished between the government and local groups in Suwayda, while Israeli warplanes carried out attacks on Damascus and Daraa.

Since the security forces have withdrawn from Suwayda, it is estimated that hundreds have been killed in the fighting and Israeli attacks.