Druze Leadership Backs Syrian Army Move Into Sweida, Urges Disarmament

In a public statement on Tuesday, the Druze religious leadership said it welcomed the arrival of government forces into Sweida and surrounding towns, framing the move as a step toward ending the violence that has rocked the southern province for days. The statement emphasized that restoring safety "requires the extension of state authority through its official institutions — particularly the security and military sectors."

The leadership also urged all factions in Sweida to surrender their weapons and refrain from obstructing government forces. “We call on all armed actors to hand over their arms to the Interior Ministry and avoid using residential buildings for armed confrontation,” the statement read.

Coordinated Security Plan And Political Messaging

The security operation comes after deadly clashes between Druze and Bedouin armed groups that left nearly 100 people dead. Government forces have since imposed a curfew in Sweida city and are moving to secure key administrative and residential zones. Interior security chief Ahmad Al-Dalati reiterated the army’s mission is to protect civilians and eliminate armed groups operating outside the law.

The Druze statement marks a turning point in the narrative. Previously, the Druze spiritual leadership had called for local autonomy and rejected outside interference. Now, they appear to have aligned with the state, calling for dialogue and institutional reform “in coordination with the competent and qualified members of Sweida society.”

The decision also increases pressure on armed factions such as the “Men of Dignity” militia, which had demanded a localized security framework. It remains unclear how these groups will respond to both military pressure and clerical endorsement of state control.