Syrian Interior Ministry reaches deal to evacuate civilians from Suwayda amid security unrest

The Syrian Interior Ministry reached an agreement to evacuate civilians from the Suwayda province due to the ongoing security situation, the state-run news agency SANA reported Monday morning.

Ahmad al-Dalati, the province's internal security chief, confirmed that the agreement followed intensive efforts by the Interior Ministry and “aims to facilitate the departure of civilians affected by the current conditions, ensuring their safety until the situation allows for a secure return to their homes."

He added: “We are fully committed to securing the exit of all civilians needing to leave Suwayda.”

“We will also allow entry for those wishing to return, as part of our ongoing efforts to restore stability and safety in the province.”

To support this initiative, the ministry has imposed a security cordon around Suwayda. “We have enforced a security perimeter to secure the area and halt combat operations,” al-Dalati said. “This measure is critical to safeguarding the reconciliation path and reestablishing stability in the region.”​​​​​​​

Later, the Daraa provincial authority announced on Telegram that “over 300 members of the tribes who wished to leave Suwayda province have exited.”

It added that “they will be sheltered in accommodation centers in Daraa province until the situation stabilizes in Suwayda and a dignified return can be ensured.”

The province published photos of buses and private vehicles carrying departing citizens, including children, with the presence of Red Crescent personnel.

Meanwhile, SANA reported that government buses had entered the city of Suwayda, the provincial capital, to evacuate 1,500 members of the Bedouin tribes.

On July 13, clashes erupted between Bedouin Arab tribes and armed Druze factions in Suwayda.

Israeli airstrikes followed, targeting Syrian military positions and infrastructure in Damascus. Israel used the pretext that the strikes were intended to protect Druze communities.

However, most Druze leaders inside Syria have rejected foreign intervention and reaffirmed their support for a unified Syrian state.​​​​​​​

Israel's military actions intensified following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December. After nearly 25 years in power, Assad fled to Russia, ending Baath Party rule in Syria. A transitional administration, led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, took office in January.