Syrian security forces are preparing to redeploy to the Druze-majority city of Sweida, after a brief ceasefire failed to hold between local Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes. The move comes amid mounting tensions in southern Syria, where a fragile truce collapsed late Thursday.
The ceasefire, announced earlier this week, had prompted government troops to withdraw from Sweida province. But clashes reignited when tribal Bedouin fighters and Druze units exchanged gunfire, spiking violence and forcing civilians to seek shelter.
Israelâs military has carried out air strikes in Sweida and near the presidential palace in Damascus, warning it will not tolerate an Islamist-led Syrian government deploying forces near its border. Jerusalem claims its actions aim to protect the Druze community, which spans Syria, Lebanon and Israel.
The United States, however, publicly distanced itself from the latest Israeli operations. Washington had helped broker the initial truce and described the ceasefire as still holding, urging all sides to avoid further escalation.
Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has pursued warmer ties with the US, accused Israel of seeking to fracture Syria and vowed to safeguard the Druze minority. As both regional and international actors weigh in, Sweidaâs residents remain caught between clashing tribes, foreign air strikes and the return of government forces.
With uncertainty growing, observers warn that a full-scale redeployment could ignite wider conflict across Syriaâs southâhighlighting once again how local disputes can draw in global powers and reshape fragile peace efforts.
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Syrian forces prepare to redeploy to Sweida despite Israeli warnings
cgtn.com
