A shaky truce took effect in Syria’s southern Sweida province late Wednesday after days of deadly clashes between government forces, Druze fighters, and Bedouin tribes. The deal comes as Israel launched dramatic airstrikes on Damascus hours earlier, escalating regional tensions. 🚨
Syrian state media reported interim government troops withdrawing from the city following four days of fighting that left 248 dead, per the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The ceasefire agreement includes disarming checkpoints, returning army units to barracks, and restoring state control over Sweida. 📜
Why it matters: Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Youssef Jarbouh backed the deal, but divisions remain. Influential cleric Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri rejected the accord, vowing to continue "resistance" until government forces leave. 💥
Meanwhile, Israel’s strikes targeted Damascus’ military HQ and areas near the presidential palace – a rare direct hit on symbols of state power. Tel Aviv cited protecting Sweida’s Druze community, though critics call it "geopolitical theater." 🎯
A joint monitoring committee will oversee the ceasefire, but with distrust simmering, locals fear violence could reignite. As one resident told us: "Peace here is like sand – it slips through your fingers." ⏳
