Recent clashes between Druze and Bedouin groups left over a thousand dead, with the ceasefire being tested by both sides.
**Suweida Tensions Persist Amid Fragile Ceasefire**
**Suweida Tensions Persist Amid Fragile Ceasefire**
The situation in southern Syria remains precarious as ceasefire holds amidst ongoing sectarian violence.
In the troubled region of Suweida, southern Syria, a fragile ceasefire has been established following an intense week of sectarian violence that has resulted in more than 1,000 fatalities. Despite the ceasefire seemingly holding at present, tensions remain high, raising concerns over future clashes.
A team from the BBC managed to approach Suweida, stopping about six miles away due to safety concerns. Syrian army commanders warned of ongoing threats, describing the presence of Druze snipers in the vicinity. The landscape is dotted with deserted villages under government control, where signs of battle are stark—burned shops and shell casings litter the streets.
Four days after government troops were deployed to enforce peace, the atmosphere remains tenacious. A rope of uneasy calm hangs over the area, with armed Bedouin groups willing to return to hostilities should their demands, including the release of injured members, not be met. "If the Druze don’t commit to the deal, we will re-enter Suweida," warned one tribal leader, hinting at the ongoing volatility.
In stark contrast, the Druze community accuses government forces of siding with the Bedouin and committing atrocities, claiming a need for accountability. The Syrian Red Crescent organization has begun evacuating the injured but faces challenges due to continuing sniper fire targeting ambulances.
The human cost of this conflict continues to rise, with reports of horrendous conditions within the city. As captured by one young soldier, "the situation was beyond imagination," emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian aid.
As the world looks on, the challenges faced by the people of Suweida and the wider Syrian community remain significant. Raed al-Saleh, the minister for disaster management, expressed a cautious hope for unity to overcome the ongoing crisis. However, the journey toward lasting peace remains fraught with uncertainty as both sides prepare for potential conflict, underscoring the need for continued attention to this deeply troubled region.
A team from the BBC managed to approach Suweida, stopping about six miles away due to safety concerns. Syrian army commanders warned of ongoing threats, describing the presence of Druze snipers in the vicinity. The landscape is dotted with deserted villages under government control, where signs of battle are stark—burned shops and shell casings litter the streets.
Four days after government troops were deployed to enforce peace, the atmosphere remains tenacious. A rope of uneasy calm hangs over the area, with armed Bedouin groups willing to return to hostilities should their demands, including the release of injured members, not be met. "If the Druze don’t commit to the deal, we will re-enter Suweida," warned one tribal leader, hinting at the ongoing volatility.
In stark contrast, the Druze community accuses government forces of siding with the Bedouin and committing atrocities, claiming a need for accountability. The Syrian Red Crescent organization has begun evacuating the injured but faces challenges due to continuing sniper fire targeting ambulances.
The human cost of this conflict continues to rise, with reports of horrendous conditions within the city. As captured by one young soldier, "the situation was beyond imagination," emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian aid.
As the world looks on, the challenges faced by the people of Suweida and the wider Syrian community remain significant. Raed al-Saleh, the minister for disaster management, expressed a cautious hope for unity to overcome the ongoing crisis. However, the journey toward lasting peace remains fraught with uncertainty as both sides prepare for potential conflict, underscoring the need for continued attention to this deeply troubled region.
