Syrian forces and Druze community reach ceasefire following Israeli strikes
Illustrative photo: Druze and Syrian forces have reached a ceasefire (Getty Images)
The Druze ethnic community and Syrian government forces have reached a ceasefire. This came after powerful Israeli strikes on Damascus, The Times of Israel reports.
According to media reports, the ceasefire was reached in the city of Sweida, which is predominantly populated by the Druze community.
One of the Druze leaders in Syria, Sheikh Yousef Jarbou, confirmed the rumors about the truce.
According to him, the parties agreed that roads in the area would be secured by government forces. At the same time, state institutions in Sweida would resume operations — apparently referring to institutions that had previously operated under the control of dictator Bashar al-Assad.
The ceasefire also includes the creation of a joint Druze-Syrian government commission to investigate the "crimes and violations" committed during the unrest in the area. In addition, all those detained during the unrest are to be released.
Unrest in Sweida
Clashes broke out late last week in Syria’s Sweida province between local Bedouins and armed Druze groups, resulting in at least 30 deaths.
In response, Syria decided to deploy its troops to the region to restore order, which led to further clashes between Syrian forces and the Druze.
Following this, Israel stepped in to support the Druze minority in Syria, launching missile strikes on the Syrian General Staff building in Damascus.
