Latest news with #HikmatAl-Hijri
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Bedouins Threaten War If Druze Leader Resists Truce In Sweida; Ceasefire At Risk
Syrian Bedouin fighters have issued a stark ultimatum to Druze leader Hikmat Al-Hijri, threatening to resume violent clashes in Sweida if he fails to comply with the U.S.-brokered ceasefire. The fighters, who recently withdrew after deadly battles, insist they won't return home until Al-Hijri surrenders. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes and internal sectarian strife continue to inflame the situation. Watch Read More
Daily News Egypt
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Ceasefire takes effect in Syria's Suweida amid security deployments, fears of collapse
A comprehensive ceasefire came into effect on Saturday in Syria's Suweida province after an unprecedented wave of violence that left hundreds dead and injured. The Syrian government announced the deployment of security forces across flashpoint areas, warning that any breach of the agreement would face legal consequences, amid rising international concern over civilian protection. In an official statement, the Syrian presidency declared an immediate and full ceasefire, urging all parties to halt combat operations and ensure unhindered humanitarian access. The statement stressed that violations would be considered an affront to national sovereignty and would be dealt with firmly. Meanwhile, the spiritual leadership of the Druze community, led by Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, announced an agreement brokered by 'guarantor states' with the government. The deal includes deploying General Security checkpoints outside Suweida's administrative borders and guarantees safe passage for remaining Bedouin tribal members. Interior Ministry spokesman Nour Al-Din Baba confirmed that General Security forces had begun redeployment, focusing on rural areas previously under Bedouin tribal control. Although some forces temporarily withdrew after clashes, gradual deployment has resumed. A Syrian security source said the agreement's implementation should be completed within 48 hours. This includes exchanging detainees, opening humanitarian corridors between Suweida and neighbouring Daraa, and evacuating trapped civilians. Security forces will remain stationed outside urban centres to avoid direct confrontation, with plans to extend deployment into the western and northern countryside. The Syrian Defence Ministry had earlier set a deadline for tribal fighters to surrender heavy weapons captured from local militias and withdraw from contested zones. In response, the 'Southern Tribes Coalition' pledged full compliance with the ceasefire, calling for detainee releases and the return of displaced residents. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that at least 321 people—including six children and nine women—have been killed and over 436 wounded since violence erupted on 13 July. The casualties include civilians, tribal fighters, local armed factions, and government security personnel. US Special Envoy to Syria Thomas Barak announced that Syria and Israel had reached a ceasefire deal backed by the United States, Turkey, Jordan, and other neighbouring countries. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Barak said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara had endorsed the agreement. He urged Druze, Bedouin, and Sunni communities to lay down arms and work towards a unified Syrian identity. While Damascus and Tel Aviv have yet to comment, Washington has stepped up diplomatic efforts to calm tensions. The European Union welcomed the truce but voiced 'shock' over the scale of sectarian violence, urging inclusive dialogue and accountability for violations of international law. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called on Syrian authorities to uphold justice and accountability, insisting the bloodshed must end and civilian protection must remain paramount under international law. On the humanitarian front, Syrian Social Affairs Minister Hind Qabawat confirmed that aid convoys carrying medical and food supplies are ready to move into Suweida as soon as security conditions allow, coordinated with international agencies. The Ministry of Information detailed a three-phase plan for the ceasefire: de-escalation between armed groups and tribal fighters; delivery of humanitarian aid and basic services; and finally, reactivation of government institutions and full deployment of internal security forces across the province. Locally, Sheikh Laith Wahid Al-Balaous, son of late Druze leader Wahid Al-Balaous, condemned the violence, accusing those dragging the Druze into external conflicts of serving foreign agendas. He called for national unity, an immediate investigation into civilian abuses, and concrete guarantees to prevent further violations. Although initial steps are under way, the fragile security situation and continued Israeli threats leave the ceasefire at risk. The coming days will test whether all parties can honour their commitments and prevent a return to bloodshed in southern Syria.
Saudi Gazette
4 days ago
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Syrian forces leave Sweida after ceasefire with Druze militias goes into effect
DAMASCUS — Syrian forces largely withdrew from the southern province of Sweida on Thursday following days of clashes with militias linked to the Druze minority. While the truce between armed groups and government forces appeared to be largely holding, state media reported that Druze militants had launched individual attacks on Bedouin communities. Syrian state television channel Al-Ikhbariya said "tens of families" of Bedouins had fled following clashes on the outskirts of the Druze-majority province. The UK-based monitor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said that Druze factions had entered several Bedouin villages. Bedouin groups had fought alongside government forces against the Druze groups. Druze leaders and Syrian government officials reached a ceasefire deal mediated by the United States, Turkey and Arab countries. Under the ceasefire agreement reached on Wednesday, Druze factions and clerics have been appointed to maintain internal security in Sweida, Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa said in an address broadcast early on Thursday. The fighting had threatened to unravel Syria's post-war political transition and brought further military intervention by neighbouring Israel, which on Wednesday struck the Syrian Defence Ministry headquarters in central Damascus. Israel said it was acting to protect the Druze religious minority. Convoys of government forces started withdrawing from the city of Sweida overnight as Syrian state media said the withdrawal was in line with the ceasefire agreement and the military operation against Druze factions had ended. It remained unclear if the ceasefire would hold after the agreement was announced by Syria's Interior Ministry and in a video message by a Druze religious leader. A previous agreement on Tuesday quickly collapsed after being dismissed by prominent Druze cleric Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri. A Turkish official said on Thursday that Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and intelligence chief İbrahim Kalin held a series of diplomatic and security meetings to de-escalate the clashes. They worked with the US special envoy for Syria, Israel, and regional officials and leaders, Walid Jumblatt, said the official who requested anonymity to discuss the issue. The escalation in Syria began with clashes between local Bedouin groups and Druze armed factions. Government forces that intervened to restore order clashed with Druze militias, but also in some cases reportedly attacked civilians. The Syrian government has not issued a casualty count from the clashes, but some rights groups and monitors say dozens of combatants on both sides have been killed, as well as dozens of largely Druze civilians killed in attacks. At least 374 combatants and civilians were killed in the clashes and Israeli strikes, among them dozens of civilians killed in the crossfire or in targeted attacks against the minority group, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Video circulated on social media showed government forces and allies humiliating Druze clerics and residents, looting homes and killing civilians hiding inside their houses. Syrian Druze from Sweida told the AP that several family members who were unarmed had been attacked or killed. Al-Sharaa appealed to them in his address and vowed to hold perpetrators to account. "We are committed to holding accountable those who wronged our Druze brethren," he said, describing the Druze as an "integral part of this nation's fabric" who are under the protection of state law and justice. The Druze community has been divided over how to approach al-Sharaa's rule over Syria after largely celebrating the downfall of Bashar al-Assad and his family's decades-long dictatorial rule. They feared persecution after several attacks from the so-called Islamic State (IS) militant group and al-Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front during Syria's 14-year civil war. While it first appeared many Druze hoped to resolve matters diplomatically, with al-Sharaa promising an inclusive Syria for all its different communities, over time they became more sceptical, especially after a counterinsurgency in the coastal province in February turned into targeted attacks against the Alawite minority. The Druze religious group began as a 10th-century offshoot of Ismailism, a branch of Shiite Islam, however it does not identify as Muslim. More than half of the roughly 1 million Druze worldwide live in Syria. Most of the other Druze live in Lebanon and Israel, including in the occupied Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in 1967 and annexed in 1981. — Euronews
Euronews
5 days ago
- Politics
- Euronews
Syrian forces withdraw from Sweida after ceasefire goes into effect
Syrian forces largely withdrew from the southern province of Sweida on Thursday following days of clashes with militias linked to the Druze minority. While the truce between armed groups and government forces appeared to be largely holding, state media reported that Druze militants had launched individual attacks on Bedouin communities. Syrian state television channel Al-Ikhbariya said "tens of families" of Bedouins had fled following clashes on the outskirts of the Druze-majority province. The UK-based monitor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said that Druze factions had entered several Bedouin villages. Bedouin groups had fought alongside government forces against the Druze groups. Druze leaders and Syrian government officials reached a ceasefire deal mediated by the United States, Turkey and Arab countries. Under the ceasefire agreement reached on Wednesday, Druze factions and clerics have been appointed to maintain internal security in Sweida, Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa said in an address broadcast early on Thursday. The fighting had threatened to unravel Syria's post-war political transition and brought further military intervention by neighbouring Israel, which on Wednesday struck the Syrian Defence Ministry headquarters in central Damascus. Israel said it was acting to protect the Druze religious minority. Convoys of government forces started withdrawing from the city of Sweida overnight as Syrian state media said the withdrawal was in line with the ceasefire agreement and the military operation against Druze factions had ended. It remained unclear if the ceasefire would hold after the agreement was announced by Syria's Interior Ministry and in a video message by a Druze religious leader. A previous agreement on Tuesday quickly collapsed after being dismissed by prominent Druze cleric Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri. Looting homes and killing civilians A Turkish official said on Thursday that Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and intelligence chief İbrahim Kalin held a series of diplomatic and security meetings to de-escalate the clashes. They worked with the US special envoy for Syria, Israel, and regional officials and leaders, Walid Jumblatt, said the official who requested anonymity to discuss the issue. The escalation in Syria began with clashes between local Bedouin groups and Druze armed factions. Government forces that intervened to restore order clashed with Druze militias, but also in some cases reportedly attacked civilians. The Syrian government has not issued a casualty count from the clashes, but some rights groups and monitors say dozens of combatants on both sides have been killed, as well as dozens of largely Druze civilians killed in attacks. At least 374 combatants and civilians were killed in the clashes and Israeli strikes, among them dozens of civilians killed in the crossfire or in targeted attacks against the minority group, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Video circulated on social media showed government forces and allies humiliating Druze clerics and residents, looting homes and killing civilians hiding inside their houses. Syrian Druze from Sweida told the AP that several family members who were unarmed had been attacked or killed. Al-Sharaa appealed to them in his address and vowed to hold perpetrators to account. "We are committed to holding accountable those who wronged our Druze brethren," he said, describing the Druze as an "integral part of this nation's fabric" who are under the protection of state law and justice. Scepticism among the Druze The Druze community has been divided over how to approach al-Sharaa's rule over Syria after largely celebrating the downfall of Bashar al-Assad and his family's decades-long dictatorial rule. They feared persecution after several attacks from the so-called Islamic State (IS) militant group and al-Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front during Syria's 14-year civil war. While it first appeared many Druze hoped to resolve matters diplomatically, with al-Sharaa promising an inclusive Syria for all its different communities, over time they became more sceptical, especially after a counterinsurgency in the coastal province in February turned into targeted attacks against the Alawite minority. The Druze religious group began as a 10th-century offshoot of Ismailism, a branch of Shiite Islam, however it does not identify as Muslim. More than half of the roughly 1 million Druze worldwide live in Syria. Most of the other Druze live in Lebanon and Israel, including in the occupied Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in 1967 and annexed in 1981.
Nahar Net
5 days ago
- Politics
- Nahar Net
Syrian forces withdraw from Sweida after ceasefire goes into effect
by Naharnet Newsdesk 17 July 2025, 13:36 Syrian government forces largely withdrew from the southern province of Sweida Thursday following days of vicious clashes with militias of the Druze minority. Under a ceasefire agreement reached the day before, which largely halted the hostilities, Druze factions and clerics have been appointed to maintain internal security in Sweida, Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa said in an address broadcast early Thursday. The dayslong fighting threatened to unravel Syria's postwar political transition and brought in further military intervention by its powerful neighbor Israel, which on Wednesday struck the Syrian Defense Ministry headquarters in the heart of Damascus. Israel said it was acting to protect the Druze religious minority. Druze leaders and Syrian government officials reached a ceasefire deal mediated by the United States, Turkey and Arab countries. Convoys of government forces started withdrawing from the city of Sweida overnight as Syrian state media said the withdrawal was in line with the ceasefire agreement and the military operation against the Druze factions had ended. It remained unclear if the ceasefire would hold after the agreement was announced by Syria's Interior Ministry and in a video message by a Druze religious leader. A previous agreement Tuesday quickly broke down after being dismissed by prominent Druze cleric Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri. The escalation in Syria began with tit-for-tat kidnappings and attacks between local Sunni Bedouin tribes and Druze armed factions in the southern province of Sweida. Government forces that intervened to restore order clashed with the Druze militias, but also in some cases attacked civilians. The Syrian government has not issued a casualty count from the clashes, but some rights groups and monitors say dozens of combatants on both sides have been killed, as well as dozens of largely Druze civilians killed in sectarian attacks. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, says at least 374 combatants and civilians were killed in the clashes and Israeli strikes, among them dozens of civilians killed in the crossfire or in targeted attacks against the minority group. Videos circulated on social media showed government forces and allies humiliating Druze clerics and residents, looting homes and killing civilians hiding inside their houses. Syrian Druze from Sweida told The Associated Press that several family members who were unarmed had been attacked or killed. Al-Sharaa appealed to them in his address and vowed to hold perpetrators to account. "We are committed to holding accountable those who wronged our Druze brethren," he said, calling the Druze an "integral part of this nation's fabric" who are under the protection of state law and justice, which safeguards the rights of everyone without exception. The Druze community had been divided over how to approach al-Sharaa's de facto Islamist rule over Syria after largely celebrating the downfall of Bashar Assad and his family's decades-long dictatorial rule. They feared persecution after several attacks from the Islamic State militant group and al-Qaeda-affiliates the Nusra Front during Syria's 14-year civil war. While it first appeared many Druze hoped to resolve matters diplomatically, with al-Sharaa promising an inclusive Syria for all its different communities, over time they became more skeptical, especially after a counterinsurgency in the coastal province in February turned into targeted attacks against the Alawite religious minority. The Druze religious sect began as a 10th-century offshoot of Ismailism, a branch of Shiite Islam. More than half of the roughly 1 million Druze worldwide live in Syria. Most of the other Druze live in Lebanon and Israel, including in the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 Mideast War and annexed in 1981.
