International coalition reveals strategy for reestablishing tranquility in the Druze-dominant region of Sweida, involving Syria, Jordan, and the United States.
The Syrian government has announced a plan to bring stability to the province of Sweida, which has been plagued by violence since clashes between Druze fighters and Sunni Bedouin erupted on July 13. The plan, which includes holding accountable those responsible for attacks on civilians, compensating affected families, and launching a process of internal reconciliation, was announced by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani.
The violence in Sweida has left at least 2,000 people dead, according to reports, and has seen the summary execution of 789 Druze civilians, allegedly by defense and interior ministry personnel. The Syrian government has faced accusations from various sources, including Druze factions and the Syrian Observatory, of failing to halt the violence.
Amidst the ongoing fragile ceasefire since July 19, the Syrian government has taken steps to de-escalate the situation. This includes the withdrawal of heavy weapons from southern Syria over the past two months, in line with Israeli demands for a demilitarized zone. Syria has also appointed a Druze official as the new internal security chief in Sweida city.
Israel has been actively involved in the situation, carrying out airstrikes during the Sweida violence, claiming it was acting to defend the Druze minority and enforce demilitarization in the south. The Jordanian Foreign Ministry has confirmed talks aimed at advancing discussions on consolidating a ceasefire and seeking a political resolution in Sweida.
These talks, which were reported by state broadcaster Al-Ikhbariya, took place in Damascus and were attended by Shaibani, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, and U.S. envoy to Syria and ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack. The trilateral meeting in Damascus was not the first such discussion, with earlier meetings having taken place in Amman in July and August.
Syria has reaffirmed the 1974 Golan Heights agreement in these security talks with Israel. The implementation of the plan to stabilize Sweida will be monitored by a United Nations investigation. The Syrian government has also reached a deal to evacuate civilians from Sweida amid the fragile ceasefire.
However, the situation in Sweida remains complex, with the Syrian Observatory reporting that 516 Druze, including 103 women, have been abducted since the violence began. Syrian officials have accused government forces of siding with the Sunni Bedouin and committing abuses during the Sweida violence.
As the situation in Sweida continues to evolve, the announced plan for stabilization offers a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. The international community will be closely monitoring the implementation of this plan to ensure the safety and well-being of all civilians in the province.
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