DAMASCUS — Armed clashes continued Saturday between Bedouin tribal fighters and local armed groups in Syria’s southern province of Suwayda, despite the launch of a nationwide ceasefire and the deployment of internal security forces.

According to the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), security units have begun moving into Suwayda and surrounding areas to enforce the ceasefire agreement and restore stability.

However, heavy fighting was still reported in multiple parts of the province, underscoring the fragile nature of the truce.

The presidency in Damascus announced the ceasefire earlier Saturday following days of violent unrest that erupted on July 13 between Bedouin Arab tribes and armed Druze factions.

The violence escalated sharply when Israel launched airstrikes on Syrian military positions, including targets in the capital, Damascus.

Tel Aviv claimed its actions were aimed at protecting Druze communities near the border.

The flare-up is the latest challenge for Syria’s new transitional government, which took power in January after longtime leader Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia in December, effectively ending more than six decades of Baath Party rule.

President Ahmad al-Sharaa now leads the interim administration, tasked with restoring order and rebuilding state institutions.

Saturday’s deployment of internal security units is part of that effort. However, continued clashes in Suwayda highlight deep divisions and the complex tribal and sectarian dynamics that remain unresolved, even amid broader political transition and attempts at stabilization. — Agencies