Druze ‘autonomy’ affirmed as Syrian forces withdraw; New Delhi gives guarded response

Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa accused Israel of trying to fracture Syria and promised to protect its Druze minority on Thursday, after US intervention helped end deadly fighting between government forces and Druze fighters in the south.

Syrian forces largely withdrew from the southern province of Sweida.

While the truce between Druze armed groups and government forces appeared to be largely holding, state media reported that Druze militants had launched revenge attacks on communities of Sunni Bedouins, leading to a wave of displacement. Bedouin clans had fought alongside government forces against the Druze groups.

Druze leaders and Syrian government officials reached a ceasefire deal mediated by the United States, Turkiye and Arab countries. Under the ceasefire agreement reached on Wednesday, Druze factions and clerics have been appointed to maintain internal security in Sweida, Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa said in an address broadcast.

Amid the condemnation of Israeli air strikes on Syria, India on Thursday gave a guarded reply on its stance over the Tel Aviv’s attack on the Syrian capital.

Responding to a question over India’s stance on Israel’s move in the West Asian country, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We are closely following developments in Syria. As far as we are concerned, we want peace and stability to return to the country as soon as possible.”

The US, Russia and several European countries condemned Israel’s move in Syria.

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