United News of Bangladesh

Syrian government forces are preparing to redeploy in Sweida province after renewed clashes erupted overnight between Druze armed groups and Sunni Bedouin tribes, officials said Friday. The deployment follows a temporary ceasefire that had halted several days of deadly violence earlier this week. Two Syrian officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the government reached an agreement with some Druze factions to re-enter the province to restore stability and safeguard state institutions. Fighting initially broke out Sunday between Druze militias and local Bedouin tribes. When government forces intervened, they appeared to side with the Bedouins, intensifying tensions. The four-day conflict killed hundreds, with reports of Druze civilians being executed and their homes looted and burned by government-aligned fighters. Israel responded with airstrikes targeting Syrian military convoys and even hit the Defense Ministry in Damascus, in a show of support for the Druze community. Syrian government and Druze leaders announce ceasefire amid clashes and Israeli strikes A ceasefire mediated by the U.S., Turkey, and Arab nations was announced Wednesday. Under the deal, Druze factions and clerics would manage internal security in Sweida, Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa said. However, clashes flared again after government forces withdrew, prompting Druze militias to launch revenge attacks on Bedouin communities. According to the Daraa governor, more than 1,000 families have fled to his province. Bedouin reinforcements have since arrived in Sweida. “We will not return to our homes until we crush Al-Hijri and his ilk,” said Abu Mariam, a fighter from Deir ez-Zor, referring to prominent Druze leader Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri. Sweida, home to both Druze and Bedouin communities, has seen intermittent sectarian tensions. Researcher Ahmed Aba Zeid noted, “The state exploited the latest problem to try to change the situation in Sweida.”