Cautious calm prevails in Sweida after bloody clashes

Sweida has been experiencing a cautious calm since midnight Saturday-Sunday, following days of bloody fighting that left hundreds dead and wounded.

In a move aimed at containing tensions, security forces affiliated with the transitional government closed roads leading to groups affiliated with it, using earthen berms to prevent vehicles from passing.

On the ground, the city remains under the control of local military forces, while groups affiliated with the transitional government forces, the so-called "tribal fighters," have withdrawn from several locations within the city. Tensions remain high in the eastern and northeastern countryside.

This calm comes after a ceasefire agreement was reached between the transitional government and the Druze community with international intervention and sponsorship. The ceasefire agreement is being negotiated amid cautious public anticipation of the seriousness of its commitment, especially given the absence of clear mechanisms for guarantees and monitoring. The ceasefire was violated yesterday, with clashes continuing into the late hours of the night.

In the humanitarian context, human rights and humanitarian organizations warned of a serious deterioration in the humanitarian situation in Sweida, noting a severe shortage of medicines and essential medical supplies, amid the lack of effective support for health facilities, exacerbating the suffering of patients and those with chronic diseases.

They called on international parties to take urgent action to ensure the delivery of medical and humanitarian aid to Sweida and the affected areas, stressing the need to separate the humanitarian situation from political and military tensions.

The Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria announced on Friday its preparations to send humanitarian aid.

Sh-S

ANHA