Syria’s fragile ceasefire tested by rising violence in Suwayda

Syrian Minister of Information, Hamza al-Mustafa, reaffirmed Damascus’s commitment to political dialogue, stating that the government’s recent actions in the southern province of Suwayda were not part of a pre-planned military operation, but rather a necessary response to a sharp escalation in violence and instability.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, monitored by Libyan Express, al-Mustafa explained that the government had responded to appeals from international mediators in an effort to contain the crisis and avoid the outbreak of open conflict.

He insisted that the Syrian leadership remains firmly committed to resolving disputes through peaceful and political means, even under difficult conditions.

He outlined the main provisions of a newly brokered three-phase ceasefire agreement aimed at stabilising Suwayda. The first phase involves the deployment of internal security forces to critical areas—particularly in western and northern Suwayda—and securing key roads to prevent further clashes.

The second phase provides for the opening of humanitarian corridors with Daraa province to allow the evacuation of the wounded and the safe exit of civilians. The third phase focuses on the gradual reactivation of state institutions and a broader deployment of security forces to enforce the law and help restore normal life.

Al-Mustafa confirmed that the government will oversee implementation of the agreement, including the release of detainees held by various parties. He urged all actors to place national interests above partisan agendas and to support efforts aimed at restoring calm.

He blamed armed groups in Suwayda for fuelling tensions through acts of revenge and forced displacement, which he said had further damaged the region’s already fragile security and social fabric. He acknowledged that the state’s limited presence in the province in recent years had contributed to the deterioration, and stressed that restoring government institutions is essential to achieving a lasting settlement.

He also criticised what he described as the isolationist approach of certain armed factions, accusing them of rejecting negotiation and undermining efforts to de-escalate.

Al-Mustafa concluded by affirming that the government remains committed to a comprehensive national solution and to the principles of unity and sovereignty, asserting that Syria’s political vision is based on the foundations of one state, one government, and one army.

However, independent reports from Reuters, AP, and the Washington Post indicate that violence in Suwayda has continued despite the ceasefire announcement. Fighting remains intense in parts of the western and northern countryside. By 18 July, the number of reported deaths had exceeded 940, with over 87,000 civilians displaced, widespread damage to infrastructure, and hospitals operating under severe strain.

Eyewitness accounts and humanitarian organisations have documented ongoing shelling, forced displacement, and serious human rights abuses allegedly committed by multiple actors in the conflict, including government-aligned forces, Druze militias, and Bedouin fighters. While the ceasefire has been endorsed by the United States, Israel, Turkey, and the United Nations, its implementation on the ground remains fragile and inconsistent.

Despite the official narrative of political commitment and restraint, the evolving situation in Suwayda suggests that real progress toward peace will depend not only on formal agreements, but also on accountability, trust-building, and the protection of civilians in a deeply divided and volatile landscape.