Syria’s Sharaa urges Bedouins to uphold ceasefire with Druze

DAMASCUS,— Syria’s interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa on Saturday called on Sunni Bedouin tribes to adhere fully to a fragile ceasefire agreement, following days of intense clashes with Druze-affiliated groups in the southern province of Sweida that resulted in significant casualties.

In a nationally televised statement, al-Sharaa urged the Bedouins to honor the truce and refrain from taking on roles traditionally held by state security forces.

“The tribes must not assume the responsibilities of the state in maintaining order,” al-Sharaa said. “We appreciate their commitment but urge full compliance with the ceasefire.”

Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, France, May 7, 2025. Photo: SANA/via iKurd.net

The fighting erupted earlier this week and escalated sharply on Thursday night, prompting the Syrian government to reassign Islamist-aligned militias initially deployed to stabilize the region.

Analysts and local observers claim many of these so-called Bedouin fighters are in fact government-aligned militias dressed in civilian Bedouin attire, continuing hostilities against Druze communities.

The clashes prompted Israeli airstrikes targeting Syrian government militias convoys and infrastructure, including a strike on the Defense Ministry headquarters in Damascus.

Israel stated the attacks were intended to support the Druze minority.

During his address, al-Sharaa placed blame for the renewed violence on “armed groups from Sweida,” accusing them of launching retaliatory raids on Bedouin families.

Smoke rises from the Syria’s Ministry of Defense building in Damascus following twin Israeli airstrikes on July 16, 2025. Photo: Screengrab from Al Jazeera TV

He further warned that Israeli involvement had “pushed the country into a dangerous phase.”

Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, has a long history of involvement with militant groups, including al-Qaeda and ISIS.

He later founded the al-Nusra Front, which began as an al-Qaeda affiliate before rebranding as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

The United States envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, confirmed Saturday that a ceasefire had been brokered between Syria and Israel.

While al-Sharaa did not directly mention the agreement, he acknowledged mediation efforts by the United States, several Arab nations, and Turkey.

Meanwhile, Druze leader Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, who has been critical of the central government and declined to support earlier ceasefire efforts, confirmed that an agreement backed by international guarantors had been reached.

Measures include a 48-hour lockdown on border village access, deployment of security checkpoints outside Sweida’s jurisdiction, and guaranteed safe exit for remaining Bedouin members within the area.

Sharaa affirmed that Sweida remains an integral part of Syria and emphasized the importance of the Druze community to the nation’s social fabric.

He also expressed gratitude to the U.S., Arab mediators, and Turkey for their diplomatic involvement.

The four-day conflict led to reports of looting, arson, and alleged execution of Druze civilians by fighters tied to the government.

The Druze, a religious minority, number about one million worldwide. Over half live in Syria, while others reside in Lebanon and Israel, including in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights.

Two Western Islamic fighters were seen fighting alongside Bedouin militants against Druze forces in Sweida, Syria, July 2025. Photo: Video/X

Political analyst Henase Karim, speaking to iKurd News, offered a critical assessment of al-Sharaa’s recent statements. “He is trying to position himself as a protector of minorities, but that’s far from the truth,” Karim said.

“Al-Sharaa still operates as an Islamist leader who views himself as a divine authority over Syria. His regime continues to see Alawites, Druze, Kurds, Yazidis, and Christians as second-class citizens under an Islamic order.”

Karim further claimed that al-Sharaa has no formal army, instead relying entirely on Islamist militias — many of them foreign fighters — who have been accused of perpetrating violence against minority communities.

“We witnessed the massacres of Druze and Alawites by his militias—this is not leadership, it’s domination through fear,” she said. “The international community must not be misled by appearances.”

“Most of these so-called Sunni Bedouin tribal fighters are either directly part of Sharaa’s Islamist forces or are loyal to his regime,” Karim warned.

(With files from AP | Agencies)