Syria's government has declared a cease-fire in response to ongoing sectarian violence exacerbated by Israeli involvement, amidst hopes for stability in the region.
Syria Enacts Cease-Fire Amid Escalating Sectarian Violence
Syria Enacts Cease-Fire Amid Escalating Sectarian Violence
Syria's government confirms a truce following a week of clashes that have drawn in neighboring Israel and left hundreds dead.
Following a week of deadly sectarian clashes, the Syrian government announced a cease-fire on Saturday, coinciding with a statement from a top U.S. envoy indicating that Israel and Syria had reached an agreement to halt hostilities. President Ahmed al-Shara declared the situation a "dangerous turning point" for Syria in a televised address.
In the announcement, President al-Shara noted that government forces would be redeployed to the southern province of Sweida, a region that has seen increased violence involving sectarian groups, including Bedouin fighters and the Druse minority. This move aims to stabilize the area following a series of violent clashes that have caused significant casualties.
The U.S. special envoy to Syria, Thomas J. Barrack Jr., described the recently reached truce as a potential "breakthrough." He urged Syrian armed groups to disarm, aiming to restrict further violence in the region. Hours preceding the cease-fire announcement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that the U.S. had collaborated with involved parties, leading to a decision on specific measures to quell the unrest.
Earlier this week, the Syrian government had already indicated a cease-fire in Sweida, but sporadic violence has persisted. Reports state that after U.S. diplomatic efforts, Syrian forces began withdrawing from Sweida, which seemed to alleviate some immediate tensions. However, uncertainties remain regarding the effectiveness and permanence of the latest cease-fire agreement.
In the announcement, President al-Shara noted that government forces would be redeployed to the southern province of Sweida, a region that has seen increased violence involving sectarian groups, including Bedouin fighters and the Druse minority. This move aims to stabilize the area following a series of violent clashes that have caused significant casualties.
The U.S. special envoy to Syria, Thomas J. Barrack Jr., described the recently reached truce as a potential "breakthrough." He urged Syrian armed groups to disarm, aiming to restrict further violence in the region. Hours preceding the cease-fire announcement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that the U.S. had collaborated with involved parties, leading to a decision on specific measures to quell the unrest.
Earlier this week, the Syrian government had already indicated a cease-fire in Sweida, but sporadic violence has persisted. Reports state that after U.S. diplomatic efforts, Syrian forces began withdrawing from Sweida, which seemed to alleviate some immediate tensions. However, uncertainties remain regarding the effectiveness and permanence of the latest cease-fire agreement.
