Suwayda: The spiritual leadership of the Druze community in Syria has called on all armed factions within Suwayda province to cooperate with government security forces and surrender their arms. This plea comes in the wake of violent clashes that erupted on Monday, resulting in over 30 fatalities and nearly 100 injuries as Bedouin tribal fighters and Druze militias faced off, according to the Interior Ministry.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Druze spiritual leadership has expressed its support for the deployment of security forces, which are focused on regaining control over military and security centers within Suwayda to stabilize the region. The leadership has urged all armed groups to refrain from resisting the government forces' presence and has called for an open dialogue with the government to address the aftermath of recent events.
Ahmed al-Dalati, the head of internal security in Suwayda, has announced a curfew in the governorate, effective from Tuesday morning until further notice. The curfew aims to ensure public safety amidst the current unrest. Al-Dalati confirmed that forces from the Interior and Defense Ministries have begun entering the Suwayda city center to protect civilians and restore order following the confrontations. He emphasized the responsibility of religious authorities and faction leaders to fulfill their national and humanitarian duties by cooperating fully to secure the city center and maintain stability across the governorate.
Simultaneously, the Ministry of Defense's media and communications department has stated that army forces are actively pursuing illegal armed groups in and around Suwayda. The ministry advised residents to stay indoors and report any suspicious activities by these groups, noting the potential for them to use civilian neighborhoods as bases for their operations.
In a subsequent announcement, the Defense Ministry reported that the army has commenced operations to restore control in the center of Suwayda governorate and to pursue those considered outlaws. This move comes as Syria undergoes a significant political transition, with a new administration led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, following the departure of Bashar al-Assad to Russia last December, which marked the end of the Baath Party's long-standing rule since 1963.