Syria’s interim president promised to protect members of the Druze minority as government forces began a withdrawal from the volatile Sweida province following Wednesday’s ceasefire agreement.
In televised remarks Thursday, the interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, tried to ease Syrians’ concerns by saying his country isn’t at war and that his priority is to protect Druze citizens in the south.
His remarks are his first following a ceasefire reached Wednesday between the Syrian government and Druze militia in Sweida. Government forces deployed there Sunday following clashes between Druze and Bedouin forces in the region.
Initially sent only as peacekeepers, Syrian forces were soon dragged into the violence after being accused by Sweida citizens of killing unarmed Druze civilians. Over 350 people are dead since fighting erupted, according to some reports.
Druze are a unique religious minority stemming from Sunni Islam. Druze make up a majority in Sweida and have large communities in neighboring Lebanon and Israel, where they have proved a reliable ally for Tel Aviv.
Mr. al-Sharaa insisted that government forces succeeded in establishing stability in the region and “expelling outlawed factions.” He added that those responsible for terrorizing the Druze people in Sweida would be held accountable.
“We are not among those who fear the war. We have spent our lives facing challenges and defending our people, but we have put the interests of the Syrians before chaos and destruction,” Mr. Al-Sharaa said.
Druze leaders will now be responsible for maintaining security in the province, according to Mr. al-Sharaa.
Syrian forces began their withdrawal from the region on Wednesday, according to Syrian state-affiliated media.
Israel bombed Syrian government forces in Sweida on Monday and Tuesday, vowing to protect the Druze. Those strikes escalated on Wednesday, hitting Syria’s military headquarters and the presidential palace in Damascus, the capital.
Israeli defense officials also confirmed their airstrikes hit armored vehicles moving to reinforce government troops in Sweida.
According to the Syrian Health Ministry, at least three people were killed and 34 injured.
Mr. al-Sharaa condemned the strikes in his remarks Thursday, calling them a major escalation. He also accused Israel of trying to dismantle Syrian unity by creating chaos.
“We reject any attempt, foreign or domestic, to sow division within our ranks,” he said.
Iran joined in the condemnation, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi posting on X, “Unfortunately, this was all too predictable. Which capital is next? Iran supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria and will always stand with the Syrian people.”
Israel maintains that protecting the Druze is essential for maintaining a secure border with Syria. According to some Israeli officials, the Druze may be one of the last lines of defense against Jihadi militia in Syria.
In remarks Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces acted to eliminate “gangs” of the Syrian regime and to protect Druze citizens in Sweida.
Following Israel’s strikes at Damascus, Western officials called for de-escalation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he spoke Thursday to all parties involved, adding that all sides must take the necessary steps for peace.
