Fresh clashes erupt in Syria's Sweida as ceasefire teeters

Heavy clashes broke out between Druze fighters and the interim government-aligned Bedouin tribal forces in the countryside of Sweida, southern Syria, further threatening a fragile ceasefire in the region, activists reported.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said large reinforcements from tribal fighters gathered in the villages of Bustan, Dama, and Najran, amid signs of preparations to storm neighboring Druze-populated areas, Xinhua news agency reported.

Fierce fighting erupted in the towns of Areeqa and Umm al-Zeitoun along the Damascus-Sweida highway, during which tribal gunmen reportedly burned homes and looted properties. The violence led to the closure of two key roads, further escalating tensions in the already volatile area.

An anticipated prisoner exchange between the two sides was called off after mortar shells, allegedly launched from tribal positions, landed near the site of the scheduled handover.

The observatory reported that at least 1,120 people have been killed since the fighting began on 13 July, including over 100 civilians and dozens of government troops.

Earlier on Saturday, the Syrian authorities declared an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, marking a significant turning point in the deadly sectarian clashes in southern Syria, which prompted a recent Israeli intervention with massive airstrikes.

In a statement issued Saturday, the Syrian authorities said the truce aimed to preserve national unity and ensure the safety of civilians amid "critical circumstances", describing the move as a national and humanitarian obligation.

The authorities called on all parties to cease hostilities and ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid.

It vowed to restore state control of the southern province of Sweida, facilitate the return of displaced civilians, and re-establish law and order, warning that any violation of the ceasefire would be treated as a breach of national sovereignty, subject to legal consequences.

Syria !

Red Crescent convoys have arrived in Suwayda to facilitate a prisoner exchange and evacuate Arab Bedouin families to safety.#Syrie #SyrianSuwayda #Suwayda #الوليد_بن_خالد_بن_طلال #غزه_تموت_جوعاً pic.twitter.com/2ow7V0LDap

— AxisOfTruth (@Md_2twenty) July 21, 2025

Israel’s continued interventions worsen Syria’s crisis: Turkish FM

Syria condemns humanitarian convoy obstruction in Sweida

Syria's foreign affairs authorities blamed Druze militias for obstructing a humanitarian convoy bound for the southern province of Sweida.

In a statement, the authorities said the convoy transporting medical supplies was blocked from entering Sweida for the second time in four days, accusing the Druze armed groups of imposing conditions on the aid's entry.

Only a limited portion of the aid, accompanied by the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, was allowed in, Xinhua news agency reported quoting the statement.

"The deteriorating security situation is a direct result of ongoing Israeli intervention and the withdrawal of Syrian security forces," the statement said. "This has led to a loss of control, impeding efforts to provide essential services and meet basic needs."

Emergency authorities chief Raed al-Saleh told state television earlier on Sunday that aid convoys have been waiting for days to enter Sweida but that "the complex security situation and the kidnapping of colleagues" have delayed deliveries.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the recent violent clashes between local Druze fighters and Bedouin tribal militias have left more than 1,000 dead.

Earlier on Saturday, the Syrian authorities declared an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, marking a significant turning point in the deadly sectarian clashes in southern Syria, which prompted a recent Israeli intervention with massive airstrikes.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Syrian authorities said the truce aimed to preserve national unity and ensure the safety of civilians amid "critical circumstances," describing the move as a national and humanitarian obligation.

The authorities called on all parties to cease hostilities and ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid.