Syria’s Leader Urges Bedouin Tribes To Commit To A Ceasefire Ending Clashes With The Druze

Tribal and bedouin fighters deploy amid clashes with Druze gunmen in the predominantly Druze city of Sweida in southern Syria on July 19, 2025. Syrian Bedouins and their allies fought Druze gunmen in the community’s Sweida heartland for a seventh day despite a ceasefire ordered by the government following a US-brokered deal to avert further Israeli military intervention. (Photo by Bakr ALKASEM / AFP) (Photo by BAKR ALKASEM/AFP via Getty Images)

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa has urged Sunni Bedouin tribes to honor a ceasefire aimed at ending deadly clashes with Druze-linked militias Sweida. The violence has left hundreds dead and drawn Israeli airstrikes targeting Syrian forces. Al-Sharaa blamed armed groups from Sweida for reigniting the conflict on Thursday and criticized Israeli intervention. A separate U.S.-brokered ceasefire was announced early Saturday between Syria and Israel, but tensions remain high. Al-Sharaa emphasized unity, vowing to protect minorities and thanking the U.S. and Arab mediators for their support during Syria’s ongoing crisis.