
Syria said a new ceasefire was reached Wednesday in Sweida, a day after an earlier truce collapsed amid days of violence that have killed more than 300, according to a monitor.
"An agreement was reached for a ceasefire in Sweida and the deployment of security checkpoints in the city," an unidentified interior ministry source said in a statement carried by state news agency SANA.
Just hours after the collapse of a previous ceasefire and the resumption of clashes in Syria’s Sweida province, a new agreement was reached Wednesday afternoon. The deal outlines the deployment of security forces and affirms the province’s reintegration into the Syrian state.
The pro-regime Druze Sheikh Youssef al Jarbou’ confirmed the agreement, which was rejected by Syrian Druze leader, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri, one of Sweida's three Druze religious leaders and an advocate for Druze autonomy.
Sheikh Youssef al Jarbou’ declared, “In an effort to restore peace and stability in Sweida, respond to the demands of our people, and reaffirm the Syrian state’s responsibility toward all its citizens, the following terms were agreed upon to ensure a lasting ceasefire, strengthen security, and achieve full integration of the province into the national framework:
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An immediate and total halt to all military operations, with a binding commitment from all parties to cease hostilities against security forces and checkpoints.
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Establishment of a joint oversight committee, including representatives of the Syrian government and respected Druze sheikhs, to monitor enforcement of the ceasefire.
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Deployment of internal security and police forces, including officers from Sweida, throughout the city and surrounding areas to uphold public safety and order.
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Appointment of qualified and trusted police personnel from the governorate to lead and manage security operations within Sweida.
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Protection of civilian lives and private property, with a clear prohibition against attacks on homes and a pledge to safeguard residents from any form of violence or destruction.
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Implementation of a system for regulating heavy weapons in coordination with the Ministries of Interior and Defense, local leaders, and religious authorities—respecting the unique social fabric of Sweida.
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Full political and administrative integration of Sweida into the Syrian state, reaffirming national sovereignty and restoring state authority across the region.
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Reactivation of all state institutions in accordance with Syrian legal and regulatory frameworks.
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Guarantee of civil rights and equality for all citizens of Sweida through lawful measures aimed at promoting justice and social harmony.
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Formation of a joint investigative committee to document and address recent violations, identify responsible parties, and provide compensation to victims in accordance with national laws.
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Ensuring state control and protection of the Damascus-Sweida road and the safe movement of travelers.
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Swift restoration of essential services in the governorate, including water, electricity, fuel, and healthcare.
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Immediate efforts to release detainees and determine the fate of individuals reported missing during recent unrest.
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Creation of a joint committee to follow up on the implementation of the agreement’s terms.
The Druze Sheikh emphasized that “this agreement represents a crucial move toward rebuilding confidence between the people of Sweida and the Syrian state. Our aim is to preserve Syria’s unity, strength, and safety for all Syrians, including the people of Sweida, who remain an integral part of our shared homeland.”
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