Syrian president announces 'comprehensive' ceasefire in Sweida

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has announced a "comprehensive" ceasefire in the southern province of Sweida after nearly a week of violence that left hundreds dead.

The government said on Saturday that it was redeploying security forces in the province and called for all parties to refrain from further violence.

Fighting between Druze factions, Bedouin groups and troops loyal to Sharaa's administration has rocked the region since Sunday, exacerbated by Israeli air strikes.

In a statement on Saturday, Sharaa said the ceasefire must be respected, "ensuring stability and halting the bloodshed".

"In this context, security forces have begun deploying in a number of areas to ensure the implementation of the ceasefire, maintain public order, and ensure the protection of citizens and their property, thus enhancing calm and stability," the statement read. 

"The Presidency of the Republic warns against any violation of this resolution, which will be considered a clear violation of national sovereignty and will be met with the necessary legal measures in accordance with the constitution and applicable laws."

In a separate speech, Sharaa said "Arab and American" mediation had helped bring calm and criticised Israel for its attacks, which it said were in defence of the Druze minority.

The Druze of Sweida had largely stayed out of Syria's 14-year civil war, and the governorate saw protests over living conditions in the last few years of former President Bashar al-Assad's rule.

Following his ouster in December, many Druze have remained wary of the new government led by Sharaa, the former leader of an al-Qaeda affiliate that carried out sectarian attacks on the community during the war.

Although Sharaa has rejected his previous affiliation and attempted to rebuild ties, several groups in Sweida have actively opposed his government.

Israel has also spent several days attacking Syria, citing the defence of the Druze community.

Powerful Israeli air strikes hit Damascus on Wednesday, targeting the Syrian defence ministry, military headquarters and the vicinity of the presidential palace.

The Israeli army had said it was preparing for several days of fighting in Syria and would withdraw forces from the Gaza Strip and divert them northwards to protect the border.

However, US envoy Tom Barrack announced on Friday that Syria and Israel had agreed to a ceasefire supported by Turkey, Jordan and other regional powers.

Barrack, who serves as US ambassador to Turkey and Syria envoy, called on the different parties in Sweida to put down their weapons "and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity".