Bedouin Militias Withdraw from Syria’s Sweida After US-Brokered Ceasefire

After more than a week of deadly clashes, armed Bedouin clans in Syria announced their withdrawal from the Druze-majority city of Sweida on Sunday, following a fragile ceasefire reportedly brokered with the help of the United States.

The development comes as humanitarian convoys begin to arrive in the conflict-ravaged city in southern Syria, offering a glimmer of relief to residents caught in the crossfire.

The intense fighting between Sunni Muslim Bedouin militias and local Druze factions has left hundreds dead, deepening sectarian tensions and threatening to destabilize Syria’s already fragile postwar recovery. The violence, which initially erupted from tit-for-tat kidnappings in surrounding towns and villages, escalated rapidly and engulfed Sweida city in a wave of bloodshed.

In a significant escalation, Israel launched a series of airstrikes in the Druze-dominated province, targeting Syrian government forces accused of siding with the Bedouin militias during the conflict. The strikes added another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation, drawing international attention to the sectarian fault lines and the fragile alliances at play.

The clashes also triggered a series of retaliatory attacks between communities. Sectarian violence against Druze civilians sparked revenge assaults against Bedouins, further fueling the cycle of violence across the region. Government forces were briefly redeployed last Thursday to curb the renewed fighting but later pulled back after the ceasefire appeared to hold.

As the situation stabilizes, humanitarian aid has started to reach the affected areas. Relief convoys carrying food, medical supplies, water, and fuel have entered the city, coordinated by the Syrian Red Crescent in cooperation with local authorities.

The delivery is a critical step in addressing the severe shortages faced by civilians, many of whom have been trapped in their homes without electricity, clean water, or access to medical care.

The withdrawal of Bedouin fighters and the arrival of aid may offer a path toward de-escalation, but the underlying tensions remain unresolved. With sectarian wounds reopened and trust eroded between communities, Syria’s southern region faces a long road to recovery and reconciliation.

The recent flare-up is a stark reminder of how quickly Syria’s fragile peace can unravel — and how urgently sustained diplomatic and humanitarian engagement is needed to prevent further bloodshed.

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