A fragile calm has settled over the Syrian city of Suweida following a tumultuous week marked by violent tribal confrontations. A report from the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) indicates that clashes between Druze fighters and Bedouin gunmen, alongside government forces, have ceased for the moment.
The recent violence erupted in response to the abduction of a Druze merchant, fueling long-standing tensions between the two groups. Over 1,000 lives have been lost in this conflict, according to reports, exacerbating the dire humanitarian situation in the region.
On Sunday, residents reported no gunfire for the first time in days, as a ceasefire declared by Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa took effect. However, the threat of renewed violence remains, with security forces implementing roadblocks to mitigate further clashes. The local Druze militia reportedly maintained control of the city despite Bedouin withdrawals from several areas.
While the ceasefire has brought temporary relief, serious concerns linger around the health crisis in Suweida, where medical supplies have dwindled to alarming levels. Local healthcare facilities are overwhelmed, with a dentist describing the hospitals as "a disaster and out of service." An anonymous local highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian aid, reporting a disturbing stench of decay permeating the national hospital.
Though the city has settled into a tense calm, the SOHR warns that the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with critical shortages of medical resources persisting. As the sun rises on yet another day in Suweida, the community remains on edge, hoping for a permanent resolution to the ongoing conflicts.
