The Syrian military has begun withdrawing its forces from the southern city of Suwayda, marking a critical step in implementing a ceasefire agreement reached with Druze representatives after weeks of intense and deadly clashes.
According to an official statement from Syria’s Ministry of Defense, the withdrawal follows the successful completion of military operations against what it called “illegal groups” in the region. Suwayda, a majority-Druze city, has been at the heart of recent conflict between local armed Druze factions and Syrian government forces.
Israeli soldiers stand at the ceasefire line between the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and Syria, amid the ongoing conflict in the Druze areas in Syria, in Majdal Shams, July 17, 2025. REUTERS/Ammar Awad
Ceasefire Agreement Secures Integration of Suwayda
The truce was confirmed by Sheikh Youssef Jarbou, the senior religious leader of Syria’s Druze community, who announced the deal includes full reintegration of Suwayda into the Syrian state. The Syrian Ministry of Interior, citing the official news agency SANA, also reported that the agreement provides for the establishment of security checkpoints throughout the city to stabilize the situation.
Israeli Druze cross the border to check on their family members in Syria, amid the ongoing conflict in the Druze areas in Syria, in Majdal Shams, near the ceasefire line between the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and Syria, July 16, 2025. REUTERS/Ammar Awad
An earlier attempt at a ceasefire earlier this week reportedly failed to hold, but the latest accord now appears to be in motion, symbolized by the military’s withdrawal.
High Civilian Toll Amid Allegations of Atrocities
The violence in Suwayda has led to significant civilian casualties. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, more than 300 people have been killed in recent days, a sharp increase from the previous count of 248.
The Syrian presidency has condemned reports of extrajudicial executions attributed to government forces and allied militias. In an official statement, it pledged to fully investigate all alleged atrocities and to hold those responsible accountable.
Israeli Airstrikes Escalate Regional Tensions
While domestic conflict simmered in Suwayda, the broader regional crisis intensified with a series of Israeli airstrikes on the Syrian capital, Damascus. On Wednesday, Israeli warplanes reportedly hit the Ministry of Defense and areas near the Presidential Palace, killing at least one person and injuring 18 others, according to Syria’s Ministry of Health.
Hundreds of Druze are heading toward Syria and crossing the border.
Zero action by Israel. pic.twitter.com/Hrn9QQxO1E
— 南洋辉叔 Uncle Hui (@alexcmhwee) July 16, 2025
Journalists on the ground described severe destruction to a section of a four-story building adjacent to the Ministry. The usually bustling Umayyad Square was emptied except for ambulances and military vehicles.
Israel’s actions have sparked reactions across the region. Turkey condemned the airstrikes, describing them as efforts to destabilize Syria at a moment when the country “has a historic opportunity for peace” following the decline of Bashar al-Assad’s power. Ankara urged Israel to cease its operations and avoid escalation.
Saida Kahloni from Majdal Shams who lives in Syria, meets with her family members as she crossed the border to Israeli side to check on them, amid the ongoing conflict in the Druze areas in Syria, near the ceasefire line between the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and Syria, July 16, 2025. REUTERS/Ammar Awad
U.S. and EU Reactions: Calls for Restraint and Dialogue
The United States expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Washington is engaged in dialogue with all relevant parties and emphasized the need to end hostilities. “We are extremely concerned and hope to have further updates later today,” Rubio said. “The United States wants the fighting to stop.”
Tom Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria, also issued a strong statement calling for an end to violence against civilians and urging all sides to engage in meaningful negotiations for a lasting ceasefire.
We unequivocally condemn violence against civilians in Suwayda. Full stop. All parties must step back and engage in meaningful dialogue that leads to a lasting ceasefire. Perpetrators need to be held accountable.
— Ambassador Tom Barrack (@USAMBTurkiye) July 16, 2025
The European Union echoed these sentiments, calling on all involved parties to protect civilians and respect Syria’s sovereignty in light of escalating Israeli airstrikes.
Border Crossings and Tensions with Israel
Amid the chaos, dozens of Druze civilians crossed the Syria–Israel border in both directions near the town of Majdal Shams. The Israeli military reported intercepting several individuals attempting to cross from the Syrian village of Hader, which it said came under Israeli control following the fall of Assad.
Israeli Border Police walk near the ceasefire line between the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and Syria, amid the ongoing conflict in the Druze areas in Syria, in Majdal Shams, July 16, 2025. REUTERS/Ammar Awad
Simultaneously, Israeli civilians breached the border to enter Syrian territory, raising concerns in Jerusalem. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Israeli Druze not to cross into Syria, citing the volatile situation in Suwayda as extremely serious.
The border region remains tightly controlled, with high fences and heavy military patrols.
