Syrian tribes council commits to ceasefire in Suwayda

ISTANBUL

The Syrian Council of Tribes and Clans on Saturday announced its full commitment to the comprehensive and immediate ceasefire declared by the presidency in the southern province of Suwayda.

In a televised statement, the body affirmed its support for the government’s decision to halt hostilities and open roads for the entry of security forces into the region.

The council also issued a warning that if the Druze community does not comply with the ceasefire agreement, they will be “prepared to respond at any time.”

Earlier on Saturday, the Syrian presidency announced a comprehensive and immediate ceasefire following days of unrest in the southern province of Suwayda.

On July 13, clashes broke out between Bedouin Arab tribes and armed Druze groups in Suwayda. Violence escalated and Israeli airstrikes followed, including on Syrian military positions and infrastructure in Damascus. Israel cited the “protection of Druze communities” as a pretext for its attacks.

President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who leads the transitional set up since the December 2024 ouster of Bashar al-Assad, has called on the Syrian people to maintain unity.