Damascus Announces New Ceasefire in Suwayda as Death Toll Surpasses 300
Syria announces 14-point ceasefire for Suwayda after 300+ deaths, deploying joint security forces and pledging civilian protections. The deal aims to reintegrate the Druze province under state control while addressing humanitarian needs and local grievances through monitored reconciliation.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Syria’s Interior Ministry announced a new ceasefire agreement on Wednesday in Suwayda province, following days of bloody confrontations that have left more than 300 dead. The truce comes after a previous ceasefire collapsed within hours, triggering continued violence in the Druze-majority region.
State Media Confirms Ceasefire and Security Deployment
A statement published by Syria’s state news agency SANA cited an unnamed Interior Ministry source confirming that “an agreement was reached for a ceasefire in Suwayda and the deployment of security checkpoints in the city.” The statement outlined a comprehensive 14-point plan aimed at de-escalation and reintegrating the province fully under Syrian state control.
Terms of the Ceasefire Agreement
According to the ministry, the ceasefire agreement includes the cessation of military escalation or attacks against security forces and their checkpoints. A joint monitoring committee composed of Syrian state representatives and Druze religious leaders will be formed to oversee the truce and ensure compliance.
Security checkpoints manned by state police—supported by local recruits from Suwayda—will be deployed in the city and its surroundings to restore order and safeguard civilians. The plan also prioritizes the use of qualified officers and personnel from Suwayda to take on leadership and operational roles in managing the province’s security.
Protection of Civilians and Regulation of Armed Presence
The agreement stresses the sanctity of civilian homes and private property, committing to their protection and prohibiting any form of violation or destruction. A framework will be developed, in coordination with the Ministries of Interior and Defense, to regulate heavy weaponry and end the visible presence of arms outside the state’s control. This measure will be implemented with input from Suwayda’s local, religious, and tribal leaders, taking into account the province’s unique historical and social fabric.
Reintegration of Suwayda into State Structures
The ceasefire terms call for Suwayda’s full reintegration into the Syrian state, including the reactivation of all government institutions across the province. The Interior Ministry reaffirmed the state’s sovereignty over all territory in Suwayda and pledged to uphold the rights of all its citizens through laws that ensure equality, justice, and social harmony.
Investigations, Services, and Humanitarian Commitments
A joint fact-finding committee will be formed to investigate crimes and violations that occurred during the recent unrest. This body will work to identify those responsible, provide compensation to victims, and ensure restitution under current legal frameworks. The agreement also includes immediate state efforts to secure the Damascus–Suwayda highway and guarantee the safety of travelers.
Basic services—including water, electricity, fuel, and healthcare—will be restored across the province, and authorities will act promptly to release detainees and disclose the fate of those who went missing during the events.
Rebuilding Trust and Ensuring Stability
In conclusion, the Interior Ministry described the agreement as a significant step toward rebuilding trust between the people of Suwayda and the Syrian state. “Our goal is for Syria to remain united, strong, and secure for all its sons and daughters, including our people in Suwayda, who will always remain an integral part of this beloved homeland,” the statement read.
The agreement, dated July 16, 2025, marks the most detailed effort to stabilize Suwayda since the recent outbreak of violence, offering a blueprint for reconciliation amid one of the deadliest escalations in the province in years.
