Syria's Suweida Province Holds Fragile Ceasefire Amid Humanitarian Woes

A fragile ceasefire is holding in Suweida province, Syria, after a week of sectarian violence between the Druze minority and Bedouin tribesmen killed over 1,000 people. The Syrian government deployed troops to enforce the ceasefire four days ago, and it appears to be holding, but tensions remain high. The BBC spoke to Bedouin fighters who said they were prepared to take up arms again if the ceasefire breaks down, and Druze factions have accused Syrian government forces of siding with the Bedouin and committing abuses. The Syrian Red Crescent has managed to evacuate some of the wounded, but the situation remains catastrophic, with a shortage of medicines and first aid kits.

Around 30,000 mostly Druze people are trapped in the besieged Syrian city of Sweida and surrounding towns with no electricity, little internet, and dwindling food and water supplies. A fragile ceasefire is holding between Druze leaders and Arab Bedouin tribal fighters, but the humanitarian situation is worsening by the day with nearly 130,000 people displaced and homes and businesses burning after mass pillaging. The Druze leaders have refused aid from government outlets due to deep distrust, and maintaining the ceasefire is key to finding solutions to help those suffering.

The Druze, a religious sect with around one million members worldwide, are primarily located in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. Clashes broke out in Syria's southern province between Druze militias and local Sunni Muslim Bedouin tribes, resulting in hundreds of deaths and widespread destruction. The conflict began with the kidnapping of a Druze vegetable seller by Bedouin tribe members, leading to tit-for-tat attacks. The Druze faction, led by Hikmat al Hijri, has been at odds with the Syrian government, which they mistrust, and have called for Israeli intervention. Israel responded with airstrikes against Syrian government troops, killing hundreds. A US-brokered ceasefire has been negotiated, but the situation remains fragile, with fears of further violence and sectarian clashes. The conflict has drawn in various factions, including Arab tribal groups, and has raised concerns about the potential for wider civil war in Syria.