1 security member killed as Druze groups violate ceasefire in Syria’s Suwayda

ISTANBUL

A Syrian security member was killed, and others were injured when outlaw groups led by Druze leader Hikmet al-Hajri violated a ceasefire in southern Syria's Suwayda province on Sunday, local media said.

The state news agency SANA said outlaw groups loyal to al-Hajri attacked Tal Hadid village in the Suwayda countryside with heavy and medium weaponry and mortar shells.

A member of the Internal Security Forces was killed, and several others were injured in the attack, the outlet said.

The Interior Ministry confirmed attacks by outlaw groups in violation of the ceasefire, saying a number of security personnel were killed and injured, without giving an exact figure.

In a statement, the ministry reaffirmed its commitment to tirelessly consolidate the ceasefire agreement to restore stability across the province.

“Rebel gangs, meanwhile, continue to attempt to drag the province into tension and chaos, driven by personal motives on the part of their leaders, through the theft of relief aid and internal fighting. These groups also use breaches of truce agreements to cover up their abusive practices, including unlawful arrests inside the city.”

SANA, citing a security source, confirmed that security forces regained control of positions captured by militias loyal to al-Hajri in Tal Hadid, Rimat Hazem, and Walgha in Suwayda countryside.

The source said that internal security forces have secured the area and halted clashes to preserve the ongoing ceasefire agreement.

Sunday’s attack came amid efforts by the Syrian government to evacuate civilians from Suwayda to safe shelters, mostly in the neighboring Daraa countryside.

Suwayda has observed a ceasefire since July 19 following a week of armed clashes between Druze groups and Bedouin tribes that left 426 dead, according to the London-based Syrian Network for Human Rights.

Syria’s transitional administration, formed after Bashar al-Assad was ousted on Dec. 8, 2024, is working to restore stability across the country after nearly 25 years of authoritarian rule.