Syrian Government Forces Kill Civilians in Suwayda and Declare Ceasefire

The Syrian Defense Ministry has announced a ceasefire between Druze forces and Bedouin tribes in and around the city of Suwayda, following Syrian security forces entering the city aiming to bring an end to multiple days of fighting.

Today’s reports suggest around 200 people were killed overall in the fighting, which began Sunday with both sides clashing in the neighborhood of Maqus. Both sides were accusing the other of engaging in kidnappings, and eventually the fighting escalated to the city as well as the surrounding area.

Though the ceasefire was declared, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has reported that clashes have continued, and says that as many as 93 Defense Ministry forces are among the dead now.