19.07.2025 19:10
Syrian President Ahmed Shara emphasized the protection of minorities in his address to the nation regarding the recent situation in Suwayda. Shara called for unity against foreign interventions and urged the Arab Bedouin tribes to adhere to the ceasefire and remain loyal to the state. He also praised Turkey for its steadfast stance throughout the process.
Syrian President Ahmed Shara delivered a speech to the nation regarding the latest situation in Sweida, where violent clashes continue despite calls for a ceasefire and security forces have been redeployed.
"THE THRESHOLD OF CHAOS HAS BEEN TURNED BACK"
Shara pointed out that the recent events in Sweida represent a serious breaking point, stating, "These intense clashes between armed groups risked plunging into complete chaos if not controlled by the intervention of the Syrian state."
"ISRAEL'S ATTACKS HAVE PUSHED THE COUNTRY INTO A DANGEROUS PHASE"
Expressing that the Syrian state has managed to calm the situation despite all difficulties, Shara said, "However, Israel's open attacks on the southern regions and state institutions in Damascus have pushed the country into a dangerous phase. Following these developments, American and Arab mediation efforts were initiated to calm the situation."
"RELYING ON FOREIGN POWERS ENDANGERS THE UNITY OF THE COUNTRY"
Reminding that armed groups in Sweida retaliated against Bedouins and their families following the state's withdrawal from some areas, Shara stated, "Human rights violations occurred during these attacks. In response, other tribes took action to break the Bedouin blockade in Sweida."
Shara noted that after the liberation of Syria, the state stood by Sweida, but some parties exhibited behaviors that undermined the city and its role in the country's stability, stating, "Relying on foreign powers and using Sweida as a tool in international conflicts does not serve the interests of the Syrian people; on the contrary, it deepens the crisis and endangers the unity of the country."
CALL TO ARAB TRIBES: ABIDE BY THE CEASEFIRE, SUPPORT THE STATE
Emphasizing that Bedouin Arab tribes have played an important role in preserving the unity and stability of the country throughout history, Shara said, "However, some groups have tried to fight these threats alone only to protect their own interests. Such approaches cannot replace the state, and the only authority that can ensure Syria's security is the state. It is also the only power that can protect the state's sovereignty and reputation in all areas. While thanking the tribes, we demand that they fully adhere to the ceasefire and obey the state's instructions. We remind that we need to act together to ensure unity in this difficult period and protect the future of all Syrian people."
"TURKEY HAS DISPLAYED A DETERMINED STANCE"
Thanking the U.S. for its role in this process, Shara noted that Turkey, Arab countries, the European Union, Russia, and China have also displayed a determined stance. Shara stated, "The Druze community, with its deep-rooted history, cannot be condemned as a whole due to the actions of a small group that does not represent this community. Sweida is still an inseparable part of the Syrian state, and the Druze are one of the fundamental elements of Syria's national structure."
"THE SYRIAN STATE CONTINUES ITS COMMITMENT TO PROTECT ALL MINORITIES AND SECTS IN THE COUNTRY"
Shara expressed that the developments in recent months clearly show that all segments of the Sweida population stand by the state and reject plans for division, stating, "The Syrian state continues its commitment to protect all minorities and sects in the country and is determined to ensure accountability for anyone who violates rights. We clearly express that we distance ourselves from violations, whether they originate from Sweida or other regions, and emphasize the importance of ensuring justice and the rule of law."
Shara stated that in this critical period, reason and wisdom should come to the forefront, saying, "The strength of the Syrian state comes from the unity of its people, the solidity of its regional and international relations, and the integrity of its national interests."
GOVERNMENT FORCES DEPLOYED IN SWEIDA
Meanwhile, the Syrian presidency announced that government security forces have been deployed to Sweida. In a statement from the presidency, it was expressed that after a ceasefire was declared in Sweida, where Druze groups and Bedouin Arab tribes have been clashing for days, government forces were sent to the region. It was reported that security forces have been deployed to various points in Sweida to ensure the implementation of the ceasefire and protect the local residents.