In a significant move that highlights the growing instability in Syria, transitional President Ahmed al-Sara announced that the responsibility for ensuring security in the southern region of Sweida, which has been plagued by violent clashes since Sunday, will be transferred to local factions and Druze leaders.
This region has witnessed over 350 casualties, according to reports from human rights organizations.
In a televised address, al-Sara emphasized the role of Druze sheikhs and local groups in securing the area, signaling a shift in the government’s security strategy amidst the ongoing crisis. The announcement follows a series of deadly confrontations, in which both pro-government and opposition forces have suffered significant losses. The violence erupted after the Syrian army clashed with rebel groups, leading to a surge in casualties and widespread unrest.
Al-Sara condemned the large-scale targeting of civilian and government infrastructure by Israel’s military, blaming them for exacerbating the conflict in the region. He also praised the role of international mediators, including the United States, Turkey, and Arab countries, who, according to him, played a pivotal role in preventing the situation from spiraling into an even greater catastrophe.
“We will ensure that those responsible for crimes against the Druze will be held accountable,” al-Sara vowed, addressing the nation in a clear message of retribution. His remarks underscored his government’s commitment to maintaining control over the region and reaffirmed its determination to prevent further division within the country.
The decision to delegate security responsibilities to the Druze community is a significant development, as it reflects the increasing fragmentation of Syria’s once-unified political and military structure. Sweida, a Druze-majority region, has historically been one of the more stable areas in Syria, but it has increasingly become a flashpoint in the ongoing civil war.
The violence in Sweida has not only destabilized the region but also highlighted the deepening sectarian and political divides within the country. Local Druze leaders are now seen as critical players in maintaining order, and their cooperation with the government will be key to any efforts to restore peace in the area.
This latest development in Syria comes amid a backdrop of international concern, with many governments fearing that the conflict is edging closer to a wider regional war. Al-Sara’s warning of attempts to drag Syria into a civil war is a reflection of the heightened tensions and the fragile state of peace in the country.
