Conflict casualties: Estimated 360 fatalities due to violence in Syria, as reported by activists
In a bid to bring peace to the embattled Suwayda province in southern Syria, a ceasefire agreement has been reached between the Syrian government and Druze religious leaders. The agreement, announced recently, has sparked hope for an end to the violence that has plagued the region for years.
The Syrian army has begun withdrawing from Suwayda as part of the ceasefire agreement, having completed its mission to pursue outlawed groups in the area. The agreement includes an immediate halt to all military operations and a commitment from all parties to cease escalation. It also aims to reintegrate the Suwayda province under central government authority.
However, the situation remains fragile due to ongoing tensions and challenges from various factions. Reports of violence and human rights abuses have surfaced, with some Druze militias, such as those loyal to Hikmat al-Hijri, rejecting previous ceasefire agreements, leading to ongoing tensions.
The Syrian government, in its commitment to the agreement, has pledged to withdraw its forces and ensure the province's full reintegration under central government authority. On the other hand, Druze leaders have reached an agreement with the Syrian government to end hostilities and stabilize the region, although some factions like Hijri's have shown reluctance to accept terms without full government withdrawal.
The involvement of external forces, such as Israel, has further complicated the situation. Israel, citing protection of the Druze minority, has launched airstrikes in Syria. These attacks have been criticized as a pretext for further military actions against Syrian targets. The death toll from the violence in Suwayda has risen to 360, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based organization that monitors the conflict in Syria through a network of activists.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an end to the fighting in Syria and has condemned any violence against civilians and acts that exacerbate sectarian tensions. He also condemned Israel's attacks in Syria and called for an immediate end to all violations of Syrian sovereignty.
As the ceasefire agreement unfolds, the future of Suwayda remains uncertain. The hope is that this agreement will mark the beginning of a lasting peace in the region, but the ongoing tensions and external interventions pose significant challenges.
The ceasefire agreement, inclusive of an immediate halt to all military operations and commitment to prevention of escalation, is aimed at reintegrating the Suwayda province under central government authority – a step that has been initiated by the Syrian army's withdrawal from the region. However, Druze militias like those loyal to Hikmat al-Hijri have shown reluctance to accept terms, causing ongoing tensions, and raising concerns that the agreement may not lead to a permanent peace due to the complexities of external forces, politics, and crime-and-justice matters influencing war-and-conflicts in the region.
