Clashes persist in Syria’s Suwayda despite ceasefire declaration
SUWAYDA, Syria (North Press) – The western outskirts of Suwayda, southern Syria, witnessed on Saturday renewed clashes, despite a nationwide ceasefire announced earlier by the Syrian Presidency.
Local sources told North Press that heavy fighting erupted at the al-Omran roundabout in central Suwayda, less than an hour after the ceasefire was officially declared.
Prior to the ceasefire announcement, a convoy from the General Security forces was reportedly dispatched at dawn to the west of Suwayda.
The deployment followed reports of a preliminary agreement between the Syrian transitional government and Druze armed groups, which included the handover of light and medium weapons and the entrance of General Security units to establish control over the city.
However, the same local sources indicated that the convoy only reached the outskirts of Suwayda Governorate before withdrawing without explanation. No official statements have yet clarified the reason for the sudden retreat.
Meanwhile, the spiritual leadership of the Druze community in Suwayda issued a statement affirming that, under the terms of the internationally mediated agreement, General Security checkpoints are to be stationed outside the administrative borders of the governorate.
The move is intended to contain the fighting and prevent unauthorized armed groups from entering Suwayda.