Suweida witnesses a return to 'cautious calm' following violent clashes between Druze and Bedouin tribes. A government-initiated ceasefire aims to stabilize the situation, but humanitarian needs and medical supply shortages remain critical.
Tensions Ebb in Suweida as Ceasefire Brings 'Cautious Calm' After Violent Tribal Clashes
Tensions Ebb in Suweida as Ceasefire Brings 'Cautious Calm' After Violent Tribal Clashes
A fragile peace emerges in southern Syria's Suweida after deadly week-long tribal violence leading to humanitarian crisis and substantial casualties.
A fragile calm has settled over the Syrian city of Suweida following a tumultuous week characterized by severe tribal violence, as reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). The clashes, which involved Druze fighters and Bedouin gunmen, have led to an alarming death toll exceeding 1,000 individuals, as well as significant shortages in medical supplies, placing immense strain on local healthcare services.
Residents began reporting a lull in hostilities early Sunday morning, a day after President Ahmed al-Sharaa proclaimed a ceasefire intended to quell the rampant violence. This declaration came amidst a backdrop of bloody confrontations that intensified following the abduction of a Druze merchant, further inflaming existing tensions between the opposing groups.
The SOHR noted that security forces have begun containing the situation by barricading entry points to the city and restricting access to all but emergency vehicles. However, local Druze fighters continue to exert control over Suweida itself, while Bedouin gunmen have retreated from certain regions of the province.
Despite the ceasefire's announcement, sporadic clashes persisted beyond the city limits. Reports indicate that while the fighting subsided within Suweida, violence remained entrenched in other areas—though no fresh gunfire could be detected by AFP correspondents in the vicinity on Sunday.
The humanitarian impact of the recent clashes has been stark; the shortage of essential medical supplies has driven local residents to urgently call for aid. The smell of death is reportedly overwhelming in the city’s national hospital, exacerbating the desperate situation. Medical professionals are cautioning that hospitals are rendered nearly non-functional amidst the unrest, amplifying the dire need for immediate relief.
While a semblance of peace hangs over Suweida for now, the situation remains precarious as sectarian divisions continue to simmer, posing a continuous threat to the stability and safety of the region.
