Over 128,000 Displaced by Surge in Violence in Syria

More than 128,000 people have been displaced in southern Syria within a week due to escalating violence, according to a statement released on Sunday by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a United Nations agency.

The IOM reported a dramatic increase in displacement, particularly on 19 July, when over 43,000 individuals were forced to flee their homes in a single day. The humanitarian crisis is unfolding as clashes intensify in the region, particularly in and around the city of Suwayda.

Relative calm returned to Suwayda on Sunday morning following the Syrian government's announcement of a ceasefire. This came after a week of sectarian violence that reportedly left around 1,000 people dead. 

Eyewitnesses and journalists from Agence France-Presse confirmed the reduced tensions, noting that Druze community groups had regained control of the city. Syrian government forces were also seen repositioning throughout the region.

Late Saturday evening, Syrian Interior Ministry spokesperson Nour Al-Din Baba confirmed on Telegram that all tribal fighters had withdrawn from Suwayda, bringing an end to active combat within city neighborhoods.

Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara announced the ceasefire earlier that day, pledging to protect minority communities and hold violators from all sides accountable. The government has also begun deploying security forces in Suwayda to restore stability.

The UN continues to monitor the situation closely, warning that the humanitarian needs of those displaced remain urgent and are likely to grow if the ceasefire does not hold.