Sweida: Although the ceasefire in the southern Syrian province of Sweida is currently holding, the conflict between the involved groups remains unresolved. As a precaution, the Syrian government was reported to have transported around 1,500 Bedouin-Sunni families out of the area over the weekend, as noted by the country's state media outlet, SANA.

According to Deutsche Welle, the violence intensified following clashes between local Druze fighters and Bedouin communities in Sweida approximately 10 days ago. The Netherlands-based Syrian Network for Human Rights estimated around 600 fatalities, while the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights suggested the death toll could be double. The escalating violence and significant casualties have placed immense pressure on the new interim government, led by former rebel militia leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, to establish lasting peace in Sweida.

The investigation into the March events, recently delivered to the interim government, disclosed that over 1,426 individuals were killed alongside widespread criminal activities. Notably, Syrian military commanders were not implicated in orchestrating these acts. Middle East expert Carsten Wieland emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable and providing public explanations regarding responsibility.

Ronja Herrschner, a lecturer in political studies, indicated that despite al-Sharaa's challenges, he maintains a relatively positive reputation among Sunni Syrians, credited for liberating Syria from the Assad regime. However, his support among minority groups remains uncertain. Al-Sharaa faces pressure from external forces, including former Assad supporters and criminal groups tied to drug trafficking, as well as internal pressure from extremist elements within his camp.

The fragile situation is further complicated by intercommunal conflicts and potential revenge-seeking community groups. Al-Sharaa's ability to manage these dynamics without succumbing to sectarian influences is critical. Foreign allies, including the US and Gulf states, continue to support al-Sharaa, seeking stability in Syria to avoid a proxy war scenario.

Wieland noted that while foreign allies aim for stability, Israel's recent actions, aimed at dividing Syrian society, pose a concerning threat. The US recently opposed Israel's bombing of Syria, which included areas in Damascus, under the guise of protecting Druze communities in Sweida. However, Israel agreed to a ceasefire with the Syrian government, apparently influenced by US pressure, illustrating the geopolitical complexities surrounding Syria's future.