Thursday, July 17, 2025 ਪੰਜਾਬੀ हिंदी

World

Syria, Druze leaders agree to ceasefire deal

Damascus, July 17 || A new ceasefire agreement was reached between the Syrian interim authorities and the Druze community in the southern province of Sweida, aiming to end days of deadly clashes and reintegrate the province under full state control, according to Syria's interior authorities.

The Syrian interior authorities said in a statement carried by state-run SANA on Wednesday that the deal includes a complete halt to military operations, the deployment of internal security checkpoints, and the return of all state institutions to full functionality in accordance with Syrian law, reports news agency.

Spiritual Druze leader Sheikh Youssef Jarbouh confirmed the agreement, outlining terms that include the withdrawal of army units to their barracks, the formation of a joint monitoring committee of state and Druze representatives, and steps to regulate unauthorised arms in coordination with the defence and interior authorities.

However, sharp internal divisions emerged among the Druze leadership. Influential Druze cleric Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, in a separate statement, rejected any deal with what he called the "so-called government," vowing to continue the armed resistance.

"We reaffirm the need for legitimate self-defence and continued fighting until the complete liberation of our province from these criminal armed gangs," said the statement, accusing forces of the interim government of committing atrocities, including killing, looting, and destruction of hospitals and houses of worship.

 

Have something to say? Post your comment