Accra: Syrian authorities announced a new ceasefire agreement for the southern province of Sweida on Wednesday evening, following recent violent clashes. However, the sustainability of peace remains uncertain as a local leader of the Druze minority has rejected the deal.
According to Ghana News Agency, the announcement follows the collapse of a previous short-lived truce aimed at ending sectarian violence, which has reportedly resulted in over 300 casualties. The unrest prompted Israel to conduct attacks on various targets across Syria, including in Damascus. The ceasefire agreement involves the establishment of security checkpoints throughout Sweida, as stated by a source from the Interior Ministry and communicated through state news agency SANA.
Sheikh Yusuf al-Jarbou, a spiritual leader of the Druze community, revealed the terms of the agreement through state media. He emphasized that Sweida will be fully reintegrated into the Syrian state, with a focus on reactivating state institutions and services. The agreement also includes a commitment to uphold citizens' rights based on justice and equality.
Despite the announcement, another Druze religious leader, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, who is reportedly aligned with Israeli interests, refuted claims of any agreement. He urged Druze fighters to continue their resistance and called for the unconditional liberation of Sweida from both government and rival forces, advocating for a peaceful surrender of remaining fighters.
