15.07.2025 11:31
In the southern Syrian province of Suwayda, after three days of clashes, units affiliated with the Ministry of Defense began to enter the city in order to regain control of the situation. A curfew was declared following the events in which at least 100 people were killed.
The official news agency of Syria, SANA, reported based on the Ministry of Defense's Media and Communication Department that "Army units have begun to enter the city of Sweida."
CALL FROM THE DRUZE SPIRITUAL LEADER TO SURRENDER WEAPONS
After three days of armed clashes in Sweida, the spiritual leadership of the Druze community expressed their satisfaction with the return of forces affiliated with the Syrian Interior and Defense Ministries to the city center. The spiritual leadership called on all armed groups to cooperate with state-affiliated institutions and to surrender their weapons.
In a statement released by the Druze Spiritual Leadership, it was said, "We welcome the return of the state's security and military institutions to the city to prevent fragmentation, bloodshed, and disorder." The statement emphasized that all armed groups in Sweida should not oppose the advance of state forces and should surrender their weapons to the Ministry of Interior.
The spiritual leadership also pointed out that dialogue should be initiated with the Syrian government to resolve the ongoing events and that state institutions should be restored to functioning in cooperation with the public.
A CURFEW HAS BEEN DECLARED
Syrian Interior Ministry Spokesman Nureddin al-Baba stated in an interview with state television, "We are responding to the calls for help from the people and are in coordination with the active parties in the province." Al-Baba said that the purpose of the security plan prepared by the Interior and Defense Ministries is to "re-establish state authority and disarm illegal armed groups."
Interior Security Commander Ahmed al-Dalati announced that an indefinite curfew has been declared in the city center of Sweida starting from 08:00 in the morning. Dalati stated, "For the safety of the civilian population, everyone needs to stay in their homes."
SYRIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY: SWEIDA IS BEING DRAGGED INTO CHAOS
The Syrian Foreign Ministry stated in a statement that "some organized circles are trying to drag Sweida into security chaos," calling on Druze groups to "immediately stop the violence and surrender their illegal weapons."
While a ceasefire has not yet been achieved regarding the course of the clashes, the impact of the Druze spiritual leadership's call on the parties is eagerly awaited. The situation in Sweida has mobilized not only local forces but also regional powers.
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN SWEIDA?
Two days ago, small-scale armed clashes began after Druze groups seized some vehicles belonging to Bedouin Arab tribes in Sweida. As the parties mutually kidnapped and detained some civilians, the clashes intensified, resulting in at least 100 deaths and many injuries among Druze groups and Bedouin Arab tribes.
18 SOLDIERS LOST THEIR LIVES
In response, units affiliated with the Defense and Interior Ministries had sent numerous reinforcements to the region to stop the clashes. In attacks organized by "illegal groups" against the convoys of the Defense and Interior Ministries to halt the clashes, 18 soldiers lost their lives, and 9 soldiers were taken hostage.
ISRAEL HAS ALSO INTERVENED IN THE TENSION
Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz defended their attacks on southern Syria, stating, "We will not allow harm to the Druze, Israel will not stand by." Following this statement, Israel carried out a total of five airstrikes near the convoys of the Defense and Interior Ministries stationed around the province of Sweida.