The Syrian government deployed its forces in the Druze-majority city of Sweida, in a bid by the Islamist authorities to extend their power to the area controlled by local armed groups. Why did authorities take this major step, and what could follow?

Days after intense fighting rocked the Druze-majority province of Sweida in southern Syria, a fragile ceasefire has brought a brief calm. However, for families returning to their neighborhoods, the horror continues—homes have been looted,

The spokesperson for Syria’s Interior Ministry said Friday that security forces are preparing to redeploy in the majority-Druze city of Sweida to put an end to clashes between Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes.

Syrian troops pulled out of the Druze heartland province of Sweida on orders from the Islamist-led government, following days of deadly clashes that killed more than 500 people, according to

Nearly 600 killed in sectarian clashes in Syria’s Sweida as troops withdraw under pressure, Israeli strikes and US-led mediation avert wider escalation.

Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa accused Israel of trying to fracture Syria and promised to protect its Druze minority on Thursday after U.S. intervention to help achieve a truce in fighting between government forces and Druze fighters.