DAMASCUS — Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa reaffirmed Saturday that the Syrian state alone possesses the authority and capacity to restore order and preserve national sovereignty across all parts of the country, including the restive southern province of Suwayda.

"In the face of current unrest, only the Syrian state can uphold its sovereignty and dignity across its entire territory," Sharaa declared in a televised address, following a week of intense clashes between Bedouin Arab tribes and armed Druze groups in Suwayda.

Sharaa, who confirmed a comprehensive ceasefire earlier in the day, condemned what he described as “blatant Israeli bombings” in southern Syria and Damascus, saying such strikes have only worsened instability and escalated tensions.

He added that the temporary withdrawal of government forces from Suwayda had “created chaos” and allowed unrest to take hold.

The Syrian president revealed that the government had received international invitations to intervene and reassert control in Suwayda, saying the international community “understands that only the Syrian state can restore stability.”

He extended thanks to several countries for their positions during this crisis: “We thank Türkiye, the United States, and several Arab nations for their positive stances and support for Syria during this critical phase.”

Addressing the Druze community, which forms the majority in Suwayda, Sharaa emphasized their integral role in the Syrian national fabric.

“The Druze are an essential part of Syria. Marginalizing them poses a direct threat to the country’s unity,” he said.

“We must not hold the entire noble Druze sect accountable for the actions of a small minority. Events have shown that the people of Suwayda, with few exceptions, stand with the state.”

Sharaa also praised tribal leaders in Suwayda, calling them a “vital line of defense against both internal and external threats,” and urged them to support the ceasefire and contribute to national reconciliation.

Calling for calm and rejecting revenge, he said: “Recent events have proven that Syria is not a field for separatist or sectarian projects. Syrians must firmly reject calls for vengeance.”

The unrest erupted on July 13 when clashes broke out between Bedouin tribes and armed Druze groups in Suwayda.

As violence escalated, Israeli airstrikes targeted Syrian military infrastructure in Damascus and southern Syria, citing the “protection of Druze communities” as justification.

The Syrian presidency announced a nationwide ceasefire Saturday, urging all parties to comply, halt combat operations, and allow humanitarian aid access while warning of legal consequences for violations. — Agencies