The Syrian government announced on the evening of July 16 the withdrawal of army units from the southwestern city of Sweida, where they were located due to armed clashes between local ethnic communities. The withdrawal of government troops from the region is part of a ceasefire agreement with the Druze, Damascus announced.
According to media reports, after the withdrawal of troops, state security forces will remain in the region to control the roads near Sweida. Within the framework of the ceasefire agreement, a joint committee of Druze and official Damascus representatives will also be established to investigate the violations committed during the next round of escalation of the conflict in the border region.
Druze and Bedouin detainees arrested during the unrest that has been ongoing since July 11 have been promised to be released, and those missing during the clashes will be found.
