Civil Rights Advocates Report: Syrian Violence Takes 360 Lives
**Latest Developments in the Ceasefire and Violence in Suwayda, Syria**
After a ceasefire agreement was reached between the Syrian government and Druze leaders in Suwayda on July 15, 2025, the Syrian army began withdrawing from the city on July 16. The agreement followed an understanding between Damascus and local Druze leaders to end the violence that had erupted between Druze and Bedouin groups.
However, despite the ceasefire, clashes resumed in Suwayda as Bedouin forces launched new attacks on Druze areas with the goal of freeing Bedouin prisoners of war. Druze militants were accused of committing massacres against Bedouin civilians in Suwayda city. The violence has resulted in over 30 casualties and nearly 100 injuries.
Israel carried out airstrikes in the region, claiming these were aimed at protecting the Druze minority in Syria. This action has added another layer of complexity to the situation in Suwayda.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned progress toward a ceasefire, expressing hope for an end to the violence. Turkish intelligence officials also engaged in talks with Syrian Druze leaders to secure the ceasefire, with discussions involving Israeli, American, and Syrian counterparts.
The Druze leaders played a crucial role in the ceasefire agreement, negotiating with the Syrian government to end the violence. Their demands included the full withdrawal of all invading forces and a focus on integrating Suwayda into the Syrian state.
Despite international efforts, including those from the U.S. and Turkey, the situation in Suwayda remains tense, with ongoing tensions and violence despite the ceasefire agreement. The United Nations, while not directly involved in the ceasefire negotiations or the violence in Suwayda, continues to monitor the situation closely.
Other countries, such as the United Nations, have expressed concern over the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Suwayda, Syria, beyond the specific ceasefire agreement. Meanwhile, politics and general-news outlets have been closely following the crime-and-justice aspects of the violence, including the massacres committed by Druze militants against Bedouin civilians.
