Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa confirmed on Saturday that the government had received international calls to intervene and impose security and stability in the country, amid escalating security tensions in Sweida province.
In televised remarks, al-Sharaa explained that the recent Israeli intervention "reinvigorated events and pushed the country into a dangerous phase," noting that the situation in Sweida "almost spiraled out of control were it not for the state's intervention."
He stressed that the Syrian state "is the only one capable of preserving its prestige and sovereignty throughout Syrian territory," warning against exploiting current events to weaken the role of the state and its institutions.
Al-Sharaa praised what he described as the "positive role" of the United States, saying that Washington had affirmed its "support for Syria and its unity," referring to positions taken by the US administration in recent days.
He continued, "We cannot judge the entire honorable Druze community for the actions of a few," explaining that "after the state's withdrawal from some areas, armed groups began launching revenge attacks against Bedouins and their families."
The Syrian president declared his disavowal of all massacres and violations that occurred in Sweida province, noting that the government "has received international calls to intervene again to stop the situation and impose stability in the country."
Al-Sharaa called on the tribes and the Druze community to "stand united in these sensitive circumstances," stressing that "Syria is not a battleground for secessionist projects." He emphasized "the need to firmly confront anyone who seeks to fan the flames of sectarianism."
He also emphasized that "the strength of the state lies in the cohesion of its people," calling for "the achievement of justice for all."
He pointed out that "the narrow interests of some parties in Sweida have contributed to diverting the compass from its correct course."
Syrian Internal Security Forces began deploying within the administrative borders of Sweida province on Saturday morning, in implementation of a presidential decree calling for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire following violent clashes in the province between Druze factions and tribal groups.
For their part, the Syrian tribes declared their full commitment to the presidential decision, and in an official statement expressed their adherence to the country's unity and their rejection of sedition.
The tribal statement said: "The members of the tribes have always been people of peace and patriotism. They did not seek war, nor were they advocates of conflict. However, when fighting was imposed on us, it was not an option, but a necessity in legitimate self-defense and self-defense against the aggression that targeted our people and our homes."
The statement added: "In response to the presidential decision, and based on our commitment to prevent bloodshed and our constant rejection of the logic of sedition and fighting, we declare an immediate and comprehensive cessation of all military operations, with our full commitment to this."
The statement called for the release of "all detained tribal members without delay, as a first step to building confidence," in addition to "ensuring the safe return of all displaced persons to their homes and villages without exception or conditions."
The tribal leaders called for "opening channels for dialogue and coordination to ensure that what happened does not happen again and to move toward lasting stability in the region." The statement concluded by saluting those it described as "sons of chivalry and duty from various Syrian regions," and offering condolences for "our martyrs who wrote epics of heroism in defense of our land and honor."
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