Syrian Defense Minister Announces Ceasefire in Sweida

After two days of unrest in the Druze-majority city of Sweida, Syria, the Syrian army has taken up positions in Sweida with the approval of Druze leaders.

The Syrian Defense Minister also announced a ceasefire in Sweida, but clashes continue on the outskirts of the city and more troops are being deployed.
The Syrian Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Interior have appealed to citizens to stay at home and have imposed a curfew in the city.

According to Syrian state media, Israeli attacks are underway on Sweida, with the Israeli Prime Minister and Defense Minister saying that the Israeli military has been ordered to target Syrian troops and their weapons in Sweida.

The statement said that Israel is taking steps to prevent the Syrian government from harming the Syrian Druze community and to make the border area adjacent to Syria a demilitarized zone.
99 people, including two children and a woman, have been killed in ethnic riots in Sweida, most of whom are Druze.

According to Arab media, clashes that began after an armed raid turned into ethnic riots between the local Druze community and Bedouin tribes.