Damascus [Syria], July 17: Fierce fighting continues in the southern Syrian city of Sweida despite a ceasefire agreement declared by the army.
Clashes between Syrian government forces and local Druze militias resumed in Sweida early on July 16, despite the Syrian Defense Ministry announcing a ceasefire agreement on July 15, Reuters reported.
Sweida24 news site reported that heavy shelling occurred in Sweida and nearby villages in the early morning. The Syrian Defense Ministry accused illegal groups in Sweida of violating the ceasefire agreement and urged residents not to leave their homes.
On the same day, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR, based in the UK) said at least 248 people have been killed since the conflict broke out, including dozens of civilians.
Violence erupted over the weekend between Druze and Sunni Bedouin groups loyal to the government. The Syrian army sent forces to Sweida on July 14 to separate the two sides, but then clashed with Druze militias.
Some Druze leaders called for laying down arms and reconciling with the government while a spiritual leader of the community called for international intervention.
Israeli aircraft attacked Syrian government forces before and after the ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were aimed at protecting his fellow Druze, who have historical ties to Israel, and to prevent Damascus from sending forces south and threatening Israel.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned on July 16 that the level of attacks would increase if the Syrian government did not withdraw its troops from Sweida and "leave the Druze alone."
According to The Times of Israel , Druze community leaders in Israel have called for a strike in solidarity with the Druze in Syria. They also called on local Druze forces to prepare to go to Syria to help.
The Druze live mainly in northern Israel and play a large role in the country's armed forces, according to CNN. On July 15, dozens of Israeli Druze crossed into the Golan Heights bordering Syria but were returned by the Israeli army.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
