Some Druze leaders say that a ceasefire agreement has been reached between the Syrian regime and the Druze forces, others deny the ceasefire exists.
The Druze spiritual leader in Syria, Sheikh Yosef Jarboua, announced that a ceasefire agreement had been reached between the Syrian government and Druze forces in the southern province of As-Suwayda He said the agreement envisages the province returning to Syrian government control.
The Syrian Interior Ministry reported that government forces have already begun installing checkpoints at the entrances to the city of As-Suwayda to regain full control of the area.
The ceasefire came after days of violent clashes, which reportedly left 248 people dead.
At the height of the conflict, forces loyal to Ahmad al-Sharaa, also known as al-Julani, entered the city of As-Suwayda for the first time since the Assad government lost control of the area.
Over the past 24 hours, shocking videos have emerged showing al-Julani fighters humiliating Druze leaders and captured citizens.
In the footage, the fighters force Druze leaders to shave their mustaches while mocking and publicly humiliating them.
According to reports, Syrian government forces have regained control of the city, shooting at civilians, raiding homes, and deploying tanks in the center of As-Suwayda.
In response, the Israeli Air Force attacked Syrian government targets.
According to local reports, key commanders were killed in the airstrikes.
Furthermore, the Syrian government’s General Staff Headquarters in Damascus and the presidential palace were also targeted.
According to the Israeli military, the fighting in the As-Suwayda area is coordinated from the General Staff Headquarters in Damascus, and Syrian government forces have been deployed to the area.
Drusos de Israel chegaram a Quneitra. Há rumores de que mil drusos entraram na Síria. pic.twitter.com/B6wydp3C1q
? João Antônio Garcia””””””””? (@JoaoAntGarcia) July 16, 2025
Centenas de civis drusos arravessam a fronteira de Israel para a Síria para proteger seus irmãos drusos que moram na Síria e estão sendo chacinados pelo regime terrorista sírio e pela Al-Qaeda pic.twitter.com/Q1COUKaYLj
? João Antônio Garcia””””””””? (@JoaoAntGarcia) July 16, 2025
Ministério da Defesa Sírio depois dos ataques israelenses: pic.twitter.com/XXYezamLAs
? Israel Agora e Sempre””””””””? (@AgoraIsrael) July 16, 2025
Thousands of Druze cross the border into Syria; Israeli Army prepares for days of fighting
Thousands of Druze, residents of Israel, crossed the border into Syria on Wednesday, trying to help their families and friends who are being attacked by Syrian government forces.
Vehicles were waiting on the Syrian side to take them to the combat zones in the As-Suwayda region, where there is intense fighting with Syrian government forces and allied militias.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a video address to the Druze community living in the Golan Heights, urging them to remain calm and not approach the fence separating Israel from Syria, due to the severe fighting in the region.
“My brothers, Druze citizens of Israel: the situation in Sweida, in southwestern Syria, is very serious,” Netanyahu said.
He assured that the Israeli Army (IDF), including the Air Force, is acting to protect the Druze community and combat the Syrian government’s armed groups.
Netanyahu appealed: “You are Israeli citizens.
Do not cross the border.
You are putting your lives at risk, you could be killed or taken hostage, and this hinders the Army’s work.
Please return to your homes and let the Army act.”
In light of the attacks against the Druze in southern Syria, the Israeli Army reported that Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir ordered the reinforcement of troops, intelligence equipment, and strike capabilities in the northern region.
The goal is to intensify actions to protect the Druze community in areas such as As-Suwayda and Jabal al-Druze.
The Army emphasized its strong commitment to the Druze community and is striking military targets in Syria to defend them.
Additional troops will be deployed to the 210th Division area, along the border, and at security checkpoints.
The Army also warned that uncontrolled border crossings into Syria endanger both Druze and Israeli soldiers and must be stopped immediately.
In the past 24 hours, the Israeli Army has attacked several targets in southern Syria, including a military convoy near the village of al-Majimar, the entrance to the Syrian government headquarters, and the presidential palace area in Damascus.
Published in 07/16/2025 12h57
Text adapted by AI (Grok) and translated via Google API in the English version. Images from public image libraries or credits in the caption.
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