Syrian army begins withdrawal from As-Suwayda

Following the establishment of a ceasefire between the government and Druze groups in the city of As-Suwayda in southern Syria, units affiliated with the Syrian army have begun to withdraw from the city. Reports in the Syrian press stated that the withdrawal is taking place within the scope of the ceasefire agreement.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Clashes in the city of As-Suwayda began last Sunday when Druze residents in the region seized vehicles belonging to Bedouin Arab tribes. Both sides kidnapped and detained some civilians, and armed clashes broke out. The Israeli army targeted Syrian government forces heading to As-Suwayda last Monday and Tuesday with the stated aim of ending the armed clashes. Syrian Defense Minister Major General Murhaf Abu Kasra announced yesterday that a ceasefire had been declared in the Druze-majority city of As-Suwayda, stating that they would only respond to those who opened fire. Kasra emphasized that after a sweep operation in the city, control of As-Suwayda would be handed over to police forces affiliated with the Ministry of Interior. Today, the ceasefire in the region was broken, and clashes between government forces and Druze groups resumed. With the resumption of clashes, Israel, citing the safety of the Druze population as a pretext, carried out airstrikes on the area where the Presidential Palace is located in the capital Damascus, as well as on the General Staff headquarters and the city of Daraa.

In a statement made by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, it was reported that 248 people had lost their lives in the clashes that began last Sunday.

News Source: İHA