Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Thursday vowed accountability for those behind the recent deadly violence in the southern province of Suwayda, as a fragile agreement between the government and local Druze leaders appeared to hold on Thursday after the army troops withdrew. 

What happened: Sharaa’s remarks came in a televised speech on Wednesday night— his first since clashes between groups from the Druze minority and Sunni Bedouin clans erupted Sunday — and followed the Israeli military unleashing a series of airstrikes on Syria the day before, marking a serious escalation that threatened Syria’s new leadership.  

“We are in the midst of a battle aimed at protecting the unity of our country, the dignity of our people, and the steadfastness of our nation,” Sharaa said.

Addressing the Druze minority, whom he described as “an integral part of the fabric of this nation,” Sharaa stressed that “protecting your rights and freedom is our priority, and that we reject any effort aimed at dragging you to an external party or creating division within our ranks.”