A fragile ceasefire has been reached between Syria and Israel after days of deadly clashes and air strikes in Syria’s southern Suwayda province.
The announcement was made early Saturday by Tom Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Turkiye.
The truce is backed by the United States and welcomed by nearby countries including Turkiye and Jordan.
The ceasefire comes after intense violence involving sectarian clashes between Druze and Bedouin armed groups in Suwayda, alongside Israeli air raids targeting Syrian military positions.
Although official statements from the Syrian or Israeli governments are still pending, the truce is seen as a temporary effort to calm the unrest.
On Friday, an unnamed Israeli official stated that Israel had approved a short-term arrangement to allow Syrian internal security forces to operate in Suwayda for the next 48 hours.
The move is part of a broader effort to restore order following fierce street battles in the area.
Earlier this week, Israel launched air strikes on key sites in Syria, including a high-profile attack on the Ministry of Defence in Damascus.
Israel has justified its actions by pointing to its concern for the safety of Syria’s Druze population, which has been caught in the crossfire of tribal and government forces.
The Druze community, mainly located in Suwayda, has suffered heavy losses in the recent violence.
Despite the ceasefire, reports suggest that fighting resumed on Friday between Druze and Bedouin groups. In response, Damascus sent a special military unit to help stabilize the province.
The clashes and air raids have left hundreds dead, according to local sources.
Syria’s interim leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, addressed the nation following the Israeli strikes, reaffirming that Syria would defend its citizens but was not seeking war.
He stated that Syria remains committed to protecting the rights of the Druze community while resisting outside attempts to divide the country.
The situation remains tense, and while the ceasefire offers a pause in hostilities, its durability is uncertain.