Syria Declares Ceasefire in Suwayda After Deadly Druze-Bedouin Clashes
By ONV Desk | July 15, 2025
Published on OneNationVoice.com
SUWAYDA, SYRIA – The Syrian government has officially announced a ceasefire in Suwayda, bringing a tense pause to the escalating conflict between Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes that has left nearly 100 people dead since last Friday.
The fighting, centered in the Druze-majority city of Suwayda, marks one of the bloodiest local flare-ups in the ongoing Syrian civil war in 2025, underscoring the fragile state of the country’s southern regions.
Ceasefire After Rising Tensions
In a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter), Syria’s Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra declared a “complete ceasefire,” saying the government had reached an understanding with Suwayda’s religious leaders and tribal elders to halt the violence. Security forces were immediately deployed throughout the city, enforcing a strict curfew to restore order.
This development follows days of Druze-Bedouin clashes that erupted over territorial disputes and long-standing mistrust between the communities. The situation escalated after government troops entered Suwayda, triggering further unrest.
Death Toll Mounts Amid Military Intervention
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 99 people have been killed so far, including:
60 members of the Druze community, among them four civilians
18 fighters from Bedouin tribes
14 Syrian government soldiers
7 unidentified individuals wearing military fatigues
The Syrian Ministry of Defence later confirmed that 18 of its own personnel had died in the clashes.
Israeli Airstrikes Raise Regional Tensions
In a surprising turn of events, Israel launched airstrikes on Suwayda on Tuesday afternoon, shortly after the Syrian army entered the city. Tel Aviv has reiterated its commitment to protect Syria’s Druze minority, viewing them as a potential strategic ally amid the chaos in southern Syria.
These Israeli strikes on Syria in 2025 mark a dangerous escalation and raise fears of regional spillover as the Middle East faces renewed violence this summer.
Druze Leaders Oppose Government Role
Although the Druze spiritual leadership initially called for fighters to stand down and allow the government to intervene, the tone changed quickly. Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri, a highly respected Druze cleric, publicly criticized the Assad government, accusing Syrian forces of violating ceasefire terms by continuing to open fire on civilians.
His statement reflects deepening frustration among Suwayda’s population, many of whom have opposed Damascus’s control since the beginning of the Syrian civil war.
Longstanding Sectarian Rivalries
The clashes in Suwayda are rooted in historical rivalry between Druze factions and Bedouin tribes over land, power, and tribal influence. This isn’t the first time Suwayda has witnessed deadly violence, but the recent scale of destruction has alarmed both local and international observers.
With 
news today dominated by growing instability, many fear that the latest violence may undo years of relative calm in the south.
A Turning Point for Suwayda?
Once known for relative autonomy during the war, Suwayda’s future now appears uncertain. The ceasefire offers hope, but many believe deeper reforms are needed to address the underlying sectarian tensions that sparked the bloodshed.
Whether this truce holds — or breaks down — will shape the region’s trajectory in the coming weeks of July 2025.
