Sectarian violence continues to grip southern Syria, as deadly clashes between Druze and Bedouin groups rage on despite an “immediate ceasefire” declared by President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

On Saturday, reports emerged that Druze fighters had managed to expel Bedouin gunmen from the city of Suweida. However, fighting reportedly persisted across other parts of the province, though these claims remain unverified by the BBC.

Over the past week, the escalating conflict has claimed more than 900 lives, according to monitoring groups. Government forces, deployed earlier by the interim president, have been accused of not only failing to contain the unrest but also participating in attacks on Druze communities. All sides stand accused of committing severe human rights violations.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio strongly condemned the violence, calling for an end to “the rape and slaughter of innocent people.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he urged Damascus to take decisive steps: “If Syrian authorities are serious about building a unified and inclusive nation free from ISIS and Iranian influence, they must stop this calamity, block jihadist movements, and hold accountable anyone guilty of atrocities—even within their own ranks.”

In response to the violence, Syria’s interior ministry stated that its intervention in Suweida had halted clashes in the city. However, sources like Reuters reported ongoing violence in other areas of the province.

Amid the unrest, Israel has intervened militarily, declaring support for the Druze population and carrying out strikes against Syrian government targets, including the defense ministry in Damascus. Saturday’s ceasefire announcement was part of a US-brokered agreement, with Israel halting military actions on the condition that Druze communities are protected.

Despite government efforts to establish checkpoints and prevent reinforcements from entering Suweida, local reports indicated that armed groups continued to operate within the city. One AFP journalist witnessed looting and arson by gunmen on Saturday.

The conflict has drawn widespread international concern. Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, questioned the Syrian leadership’s assurances to safeguard minorities. “Being a minority in Syria remains a dangerous existence,” he said, noting repeated patterns of violence over the past six months.

Suweida is predominantly inhabited by the Druze, a religious minority with a secretive faith rooted in Shia Islam. The community remains skeptical of the central government in Damascus. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to protect the Druze, citing deep historical and familial ties with Druze citizens in Israel.

The current wave of violence was triggered last Sunday when a Druze merchant was reportedly abducted on the Damascus highway. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights estimates that around 940 people have died since then.

US Special Envoy Tom Barrack, who announced the Syria-Israel ceasefire, appealed for unity: “We urge Druze, Bedouin, Sunnis, and all minorities to lay down their arms and build a peaceful, united Syrian identity.”

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk added to the growing chorus of concern, citing credible evidence of abuses including summary executions and arbitrary killings. Perpetrators reportedly include security forces, government affiliates, and both Druze and Bedouin militias.

“This bloodshed must end,” Türk said. “All those responsible—regardless of their affiliation—must face justice.”

President Sharaa echoed this sentiment, pledging to protect all minorities and ensure that violators “from any faction” are held accountable. “No one,” he said, “will be above the law.”