Overview

• A ceasefire declared on July 16 under state and Druze religious oversight has seen intermittent violations among local Druze fighters, Bedouin tribes and Syrian government forces
• Israeli airstrikes on July 15 and 16 targeted Syrian military positions in Soueïda and the army headquarters in Damascus to compel government withdrawals
• Syrian troops backed by Bedouin allies entered Soueïda on July 14 before partially withdrawing under the ceasefire terms
• Rights groups report that the violence has claimed more than 300 lives, including at least 21 Druze civilians summarily executed by government forces
• Interior Ministry officials and Druze religious leaders will oversee the new truce whose sustainability remains in question