US envoy Barrack urges restraint and dialogue as violence escalates in Syria's Sweida
US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack has called for restraint amid renewed violence in the southern province of Sweida and stressed there was no alternative to talks if the region was to avoid another round of bloodshed. On Monday, at least 10 Syrian state security personnel were injured when forces exchanged fire with an armed Druze group in Sweida. State media reported that the forces were “repelling…
United States envoy to Syria Tom Barrack has urged for restraint and dialogue amid the escalating violence in Syria's southern province of Sweida. On Monday, at least ten Syrian state security personnel sustained injuries when forces clashed with an armed Druze group in the region. State media claimed these forces were "repelling attacks by outlaw groups."
Barrack expressed dismay over the renewed escalation in Sweida, recalling a trilateral roadmap for peace he co-signed with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi nearly a year ago. This roadmap aims for the "dignified reintegration" of the province into Syria, granting its Druze community full citizenship rights and responsibilities.
Barrack emphasized that the roadmap represents the sole pathway to prevent a recurrence of "grief" and violence. He also voiced concern over "intracommunal violence," indicating his team's ongoing communication with local figures affected by the turmoil. Sweida, predominantly Druze, is one of the last areas outside President Ahmad Al Shara's control.
Israel previously conducted airstrikes in Syria, citing support for the Druze community. The violence severed Sweida's connection to Jaramana, a major Druze population center near Damascus.
Following a July 2025 operation aimed at quelling fighting, Syrian security forces have established a presence around Sweida city and its suburbs. A UN investigation from March revealed that over 1,700 people, mostly Druze civilians and Bedouin community members, were killed during the conflict last year. Some Druze factions have resisted integration efforts due to the July 2025 violence.
The UN investigation also suggested that Syrian security troops, Bedouin fighters, and Druze armed groups might have committed war crimes.
Barrack emphasized the importance of cooperation among Druze communities, Arab tribes, and neighboring countries through "tolerance and understanding." He welcomed the Syrian government's efforts to investigate alleged crimes by its forces from July 2025 and hold perpetrators accountable. He stressed that dialogue focused on accountability, security restoration, and displaced persons' return and reconstruction is the only way forward.
Barrack called for restraint in actions and earnest communication, urging all parties to avoid the alternative of continuing the cycle of mourning.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
