Syria and Druze minority renew ceasefire after days of escalating tensions

The Syrian government and leaders of the Druze religious minority on Wednesday agreed to a fragile ceasefire in the province of Sweida, according to the Syrian state-owned Syrian Arab News Agency. It is the second attempted ceasefire agreement this week after an earlier deal fell apart Tuesday. Syrian forces over the last week intervened in escalating clashes between Sunni Bedouin tribes and a Druze militia in the southern province. The two groups have long engaged in sporadic attacks that have escalated since dictator Bashar al-Assad was removed from power late last year.

What led to the ceasefire? The Israeli military on Wednesday launched an airstrike into Damascus and hit the Syrian Defense Ministry’s headquarters. Israeli officials said the strike was retaliation for the attacks against the Druze people. The Israel Defense Forces on Tuesday struck Syrian military vehicles entering the Sweida region, saying the tanks entered a zone Israel has demanded be demilitarized. Three Syrian defense ministry commanders died in the strike Wednesday, according to the United Kingdom-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The organization estimated at least 260 people had died in the province since Sunday in the clashes between armed groups.

Who are the Druze people? The Arab minority’s faith is an offshoot of Shiite Islam and members recognize many prophets including Jesus, Mohammed, and Moses, according to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. Their most respected Biblical prophet is Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, and their theology incorporates elements of many religions. The Druze do not accept converts and primarily live in Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and Jordan, according to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. About 130,000 Druze live in Israel and their men have participated in mandatory military service since 1956.

Dig deeper: Read A.S. Ibrahim’s report about how attacks on Christians in Nigeria and Syria stem from jihadist strategy and a lack of government intervention.