MAZRAA, Syria — Armed Bedouin clans in Syria announced their withdrawal from the Druze-majority city of Sweida on Sunday. This decision follows a week of intense clashes and a ceasefire brokered by the United States. Humanitarian aid convoys have begun to enter the city, which has suffered significant damage during the fighting.

The clashes involved militias from the Druze religious minority and Sunni Muslim clans, resulting in hundreds of deaths and threatening Syria's fragile postwar stability. Israel conducted numerous airstrikes in the Sweida province, targeting government forces that had sided with the Bedouins. The violence also led to sectarian attacks against the Druze community, followed by retaliatory actions against the Bedouins.

The conflict was ignited by a series of kidnappings across various towns in the province, escalating to Sweida city, the provincial capital. Government forces attempted to intervene to stop the renewed fighting that erupted on Thursday but later withdrew. Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, perceived as sympathetic to the Bedouins, urged them to leave the city, stating they “cannot replace the role of the state in handling the country’s affairs and restoring security.” He expressed gratitude to the Bedouins but insisted they must adhere to the ceasefire and comply with state orders.

Khaled al-Mohammad, a Bedouin fighter from Deir al-Zour, stated, “We will not leave until he turns himself in alongside those with him who tried to stir sedition. And only then will we go home.” Despite the withdrawal, dozens of armed Bedouin fighters remain on the outskirts of Sweida, cordoned off by government security forces.

The withdrawal has led to a cautious calm in the area, allowing humanitarian aid to flow in. The Syrian Red Crescent reported sending 32 trucks filled with food, medicine, and other supplies to address shortages caused by the fighting. However, tensions persist, as the state news agency SANA accused Druze factions loyal to Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri of obstructing aid efforts.

Al-Hijri responded to the accusations by welcoming assistance for Sweida and condemning campaigns against him. He stated, “We reaffirm that we have no dispute with anyone on any religious or ethnic basis. Shame and disgrace be upon all those who seek to sow discord and hatred in the minds of young people.”

The U.N. International Organization for Migration reported that 128,571 people were displaced during the clashes, with 43,000 displaced on a single day. U.S. special envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, expressed concern that the violence has overshadowed initial optimism regarding Syria's postwar transition. He called for all factions to cease hostilities and abandon cycles of tribal vengeance, emphasizing the need for peace and dialogue.

The weeklong fighting resulted in the deaths of many Druze civilians, with reports of targeted attacks by Bedouin fighters and government forces. Videos circulated online showing fighters destroying portraits of Druze leaders and shaving the mustaches of elderly Druze, acts seen as deeply insulting to their culture. In retaliation, Druze militias attacked Bedouin areas, forcing families to flee to neighboring Daraa province.

More than half of the estimated 1 million Druze worldwide reside in Syria, with significant populations in Lebanon and Israel. The Druze community in Syria largely celebrated the downfall of the Assad family, which ended decades of autocratic rule. However, recent events have led to growing skepticism among the Druze regarding the new leadership in Damascus and doubts about the possibility of peaceful coexistence.