Large columns of Syrian regime forces entered Sweida, the capital of the Druze mountain region and the largest concentration of the Druze minority in the country, on Tuesday morning, a day after Israel intervened to help protect the community, which has a sizeable representation in the Jewish state. The incursion follows days of clashes between Druze militias and forces loyal to the Damascus government. The troops were accompanied by armored vehicles, tanks, and artillery.
According to reports from Syrian media, a mass exodus of Druze residents from the city has begun, driven by fears of reprisals by the regime against the minority, similar to those experienced by the Alawite minority in the western coastal region. Syrian television reported that despite the Druze leadership's decision to lay down arms, fierce street battles continue in Sweida.
Meanwhile, another Israeli strike in southern Syria was reported. According to reports, the attack was intended to prevent the advancement of regime forces. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the IDF chief of staff, and the defense minister held a telephone consultation today regarding recent developments in Syria and the attacks on the Druze.
Toward noon, Syrian Defense Minister declared a ceasefire and announced that his forces fired only at militia members who shot at them. "To all units operating in the city of As-Sweida: We declare a complete ceasefire after agreement with the city's dignitaries and notables. We will respond only to sources of fire and deal with any shooting by lawless groups," the minister declared, apparently in an attempt to calm the fighting in the city.
The As-Sweida24 website reports street battles and clashes in Sweida city. In neighborhoods entered by Defense Ministry and Internal Security forces, anarchy prevails, with looting and burning of property and shops. Simultaneously, a mass exodus of residents from the city is taking place, according to the website's sources. Videos uploaded to social networks show regime fighters abusing Druze militia members who were captured.
Video: Syrian forces enter the Druze stronghold in the south / Credit:Social media
The regime's forces are equipped with a significant number of armored vehicles, tanks, and artillery, while the Druze militias, which have jointly controlled the area since the civil war, are armed only with light weapons. On Monday, Israel targeted several regime tanks in the region, and Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel would not permit Syrian armored forces to operate in the area.
The spiritual leader of the Druze in the region, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, welcomed the entry of Interior Ministry forces and called on them to uphold the law fully and maintain order and calm in the area.
