Hundreds of Bedouin civilians were evacuated from Syria's predominantly Druze city of Sweida on Monday (July 21) as part of a U.S.-backed truce meant to end fighting that has killed hundreds of people, state media and witnesses said.

As Suwayda

Hundreds of Bedouin civilians have evacuated the predominantly Druze city of Sweida in Syria as part of a U.S.-backed truce aimed at ending recent violence. The ceasefire, which began after security forces were deployed to the city's outskirts, has enabled the release of hostages and detainees from both sides.

The conflict, which started a week ago between Bedouin and Druze fighters, escalated with the involvement of Damascus troops and resulted in hundreds of deaths. The situation has drawn international attention, with Israel conducting strikes in southern Syria and Damascus, and the United States expressing concern but not supporting the Israeli actions. According to the United Nations, at least 93,000 people have been displaced by the fighting.

Bedouin civilians evacuate Syria's Sweida as tense truce holds

Hundreds of Bedouin civilians evacuated Syria's predominantly Druze city of Saweda on Monday. The exodus is part of a U.S.-backed truce meant to end fighting that has killed hundreds of people, state media and witnesses said. The ceasefire took hold on Sunday as Interior Ministry security forces deployed on Saweda's outskirts, allowing for the release of hostages and detainees held by the warring sides. A second large group of civilians will be evacuated if the situation remains calm, a Syrian security forces member said. The fighting began a week ago with clashes between Bedouin and Druze fighters. Damascus troops, sent to ease tensions, were drawn into the violence and accused of widespread violations against the Druze. With hundreds reported killed, it has posed a major test for Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The Druze are a small but influential minority in Syria, Israel and Lebanon. They follow a religion that is an offshoot of a branch of Islam. Some ultra-conservative Sunni Muslims deem their beliefs heretical. Citing the goal of protecting the Druze and keeping southern Syria demilitarized, Israel attacked government forces last week in the south and struck the defence ministry in Damascus. Washington, which has expressed support for Syria since Sharaa met US President Donald Trump in May, said it did not approve of Israel's strikes. US envoy Tom Barrack said on Monday the Syrian government needed to be held accountable. According to the United Nations, at least 93,000 people have been uprooted by the fighting.

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The violent clashes between the Druze minority, Bedouins and other armed groups in the southern province of Sweida have left at least 900 people dead. Some reports suggest that fighting may have halted early on Sunday.

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Breakdown