A fragile ceasefire has been declared in southern Syria’s Suwayda province on Saturday, following intense fighting that left hundreds dead.
The move comes in the wake of days of deadly clashes between Druze and Bedouin armed groups, government forces, and Israeli airstrikes, with more than 300 reported dead.
The Syrian presidency stated: “In light of the critical circumstances the country is going through, and out of concern to spare Syrian blood, preserve the unity of Syrian territory, the safety of its people... the Presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic announces a comprehensive and immediate ceasefire.”
The ceasefire was announced just hours after U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack revealed that Israel and Syria had reached a ceasefire agreement, supported by Washington and welcomed by Türkiye, Jordan, and other neighboring states.
In a post on X, U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye urged: “upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunni to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbours".
An unnamed Israeli official said Israel had agreed to allow the 'limited entry of the [Syrian] internal security forces into Suwayda district for the next 48 hours' to stabilize the situation.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, Israeli airstrikes were carried out Wednesday, including on Syria’s Ministry of Defense in Damascus and on government positions in Suwayda. Israel said the operations aimed to protect the Druze population amid ongoing ethnic tensions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the Druze “brothers,” emphasizing the community’s significance.
A U.S.-brokered truce between Druze leaders and the Syrian government briefly held before violence reignited Friday with fresh clashes between Druze and Bedouin groups.
Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, warning against Israeli involvement, stated: “Syria will overcome attempts by Israel to tear the country apart through its aggression.”
He reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to protecting the Druze community while expressing a preference to avoid direct conflict with Israel.
Iran suggested it would be "unreasonable" to proceed with talks to forge a permanent peace d...
Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to continue dialogue and avoid steps that could worsen tensions after China-hosted talks in Urumqi, with Kabul...
Russia will see revenue from its biggest single oil tax double to $9 billion in April, driven by the oil and gas crisis triggered by the U.S. and I...
Lithuania’s Prime Minister’s visit to Azerbaijan on 9 April signals a deepening strategic dialogue between Baku and European partners. ...
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Thursday (9 April) that restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is a vital interest f...
Iran suggested it would be "unreasonable" to proceed with talks to forge a permanent peace deal with the U.S. after Israel pounded Lebanon with its heaviest strikes yet on Wednesday, killing hundreds of people. The warning came from Iran's lead negotiator, parliament speaker Mohammed Bager Qalibaf.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Thursday (9 April) that restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is a vital interest for both Italy and the European Union, pledging coordination with international partners to ensure safe passage.
Astronauts aboard Artemis II have described the emotional toll of their historic journey as they prepare for a high-risk “fireball” re-entry. The crew is set to splash down off California on Friday (10 April) after travelling farther than any humans in history.
Iranian officials have criticised ceasefire violations by Isreal and U.S., citing Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon on Wednesday (8 April), an intrusion of a military drone, and a U.S. denial of Tehran’s right of nuclear enrichment, on the first day of the two-week ceasefire on Wednesday.
China and Russia vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution on Tuesday aimed at coordinating defensive efforts to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, leaving no agreed international framework for securing the vital route.
Lebanon’s Hezbollah said it had stopped firing on northern Israel and Israeli forces on Wednesday as part of a two-week ceasefire in the Middle East brokered between the United States and Iran. However, a Hezbollah lawmaker warned that the pause could collapse if Tel Aviv does not adhere to it.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Iran and the United States, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate two-week ceasefire covering all areas, but Israel says the deal excludes Lebanon. Tel Aviv says the U.S. is committed to achieving shared goals in upcoming negotiations.
Construction has begun on a major new solar power project in Xizang, as China continues to expand its renewable energy capacity and push towards a greener future.
Iran suggested it would be "unreasonable" to proceed with talks to forge a permanent peace deal with the U.S. after Israel pounded Lebanon with its heaviest strikes yet on Wednesday, killing hundreds of people. The warning came from Iran's lead negotiator, parliament speaker Mohammed Bager Qalibaf.
Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to continue dialogue and avoid steps that could worsen tensions after China-hosted talks in Urumqi, with Kabul and Beijing saying the meetings focused on easing differences and improving relations.
Lithuania’s Prime Minister’s visit to Azerbaijan on 9 April signals a deepening strategic dialogue between Baku and European partners. Analysts say economic interests and geopolitical shifts are driving closer engagement.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Thursday (9 April) that restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is a vital interest for both Italy and the European Union, pledging coordination with international partners to ensure safe passage.
Kazakhstan says oil exports via the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) remain stable after drone strikes on facilities near Novorossiysk, despite damage to key infrastructure and rising risks to a major export route.
Israel launched its heaviest strikes on Lebanon since hostilities escalated last month, killing over 100 people, even as Hezbollah halted attacks under a disputed U.S.-Iran ceasefire.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment