In the early hours of Thursday, July 17, Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s transitional president, announced that local Druze leaders and factions would be entrusted with maintaining security in Suwayda province. This decision follows the withdrawal of Syrian army units and Internal Security Forces from the region.
In a televised address published by the “Presidency of the Republic,” al-Sharaa said the government made this move to avoid an open confrontation with Israel, stressing that “the Druze are an integral part of the nation’s fabric.”
Enab Baladi observed the withdrawal of Defense and Interior Ministry convoys from southern Suwayda, heading toward Damascus and other regions in northern Syria.
Syria’s state news agency (SANA) reported that army forces began withdrawing from Suwayda on Wednesday evening, July 16, as part of an agreement between the government and Druze religious leaders. The ministry said the mission to pursue “outlawed groups” in the province had been completed.
Background to the Clashes
President al-Sharaa explained that the state had intervened decisively through its institutions to stop the internal fighting in Suwayda, which had erupted between local armed groups and tribal fighters from surrounding areas due to longstanding disputes.
Instead of de-escalating, the president claimed that lawless groups exploited the situation to fuel chaos and sedition. “These same figures had for months refused dialogue, placing personal interests above national unity and committing crimes against civilians in recent days,” he said.
He added that both the Defense and Interior Ministries had launched a large-scale deployment in Suwayda to restore order and push out the “outlawed factions,” despite Israeli interference.
Initial tensions escalated after mutual kidnappings between tribal fighters near Suwayda’s borders and local factions, which soon led to armed clashes and prompted a government intervention.
Meanwhile, although the government reached an agreement with local dignitaries and community leaders, others rejected the deal and launched counterattacks under Israeli cover.
Avoiding “Open War”
Al-Sharaa said that “the Israeli entity launched extensive strikes against civilian and government infrastructure to derail Syria’s efforts at restoring order, plunging the region into serious escalation.”
He credited international mediation efforts—particularly from the U.S., Arab states, and Turkey—with averting a potential regional catastrophe. “We faced two options: either an all-out war with Israel at the expense of our Druze citizens and national stability, or empowering local leaders to return to reason and prioritize national interests,” he said.
“The best course of action at this stage was to make a careful decision that protects the unity of our homeland and the safety of its people, based on the supreme national interest,” al-Sharaa said, explaining his decision to entrust local factions and Druze religious leaders with maintaining security in Suwayda.
“You may be able to start a war, but controlling its outcome is not so easy. We are the sons of this land, best equipped to withstand all of Israel’s attempts to divide us, and too resilient to be shaken by manufactured strife,” he added.
He accused Israel of “exploiting every means to sow discord and ignite conflict,” adding that “Syrians, with their long history, have consistently rejected fragmentation.” He emphasized that military strength does not guarantee victory and that “winning one battle does not mean winning the entire war.”
Israel launched multiple airstrikes on Syrian army positions in the south before escalating further by striking the Ministry of Defense and the presidential palace in Damascus.
Al-Sharaa pledged accountability for all violations committed against Druze civilians, promising justice under the rule of law. He reaffirmed that “the Druze are a vital part of this homeland, and Syria will never be a place for division, fragmentation, or internal strife.”
The Ministry of Defense’s campaign in Suwayda reportedly included abuses against civilians and local fighters. In retaliation, local factions allegedly carried out executions of captured security personnel.
Al-Sharaa Assigns Druze Leaders Responsibility for Managing Security in Suwayda Enab Baladi.
Hence then, the article about al sharaa assigns druze leaders responsibility for managing security in suwayda was published today ( ) and is available on ُEnabbaladi ( Syria ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Al-Sharaa Assigns Druze Leaders Responsibility for Managing Security in Suwayda )
Also on site :
- China's First Domestic Anti-CTLA-4 Monoclonal Antibody, Innovent's TABOSUN® (Ipilimumab N01 Injection) Received NMPA Approval
- Prominent Canadian Musician Says Gig Was Cancelled After Google AI Overview Wrongly Branded Him Sex Pest
- Goldman Sachs expects layoffs to keep rising—and says investors are punishing the stocks of companies that slash staff