Washington: Rubio Urges Damascus to Hold Perpetrators of Suwayda Atrocities Accountable as Barak Issues Warning

20 July 2025, 4:53 AM

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السويداء - Suwayda — Tareq Mnadili, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The United States has called on all parties in Syria to cease hostilities in Suwayda Governorate and to end cycles of tribal retaliation, amid growing concerns over the deteriorating security situation.

U.S. Special Envoy to Syria Thomas Barak warned that the country stands at a “critical crossroads,” urging dialogue and de-escalation. He cautioned that continued violence risks undermining the government’s efforts. Barak also noted that President Trump’s decision to ease certain sanctions on Syria represented “an opportunity to move from a legacy of pain toward a future of hope.”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need to hold those responsible for the recent violations in Suwayda accountable and called for an immediate end to the killing of civilians and ongoing abuses. He urged Damascus to use its security forces to prevent the infiltration of extremist groups.

ماركو روبيو - Marco Rubio — Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

As part of international efforts to restore stability, Barak met with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Commander Mazloum Abdi to discuss urgent measures to calm tensions in Sweida and promote national integration within a unified Syria. According to a statement from the U.S. Embassy, both sides reaffirmed the need for a peaceful, stable, and inclusive future for all Syrians. A tripartite meeting was also held between the Syrian and Jordanian foreign ministers and Barak to address ceasefire efforts. The meeting welcomed the Syrian government’s commitment to holding accountable those responsible for abuses and to rejecting violence and sectarian incitement.

باراك - Barrack — Ambassador Tom Barrack, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In parallel, Syrian authorities announced immediate measures to support stability in Suwayda. The Ministry of Health confirmed the deployment of a medical convoy comprising 20 fully equipped ambulances and specialized teams, along with essential supplies, in response to the unfolding situation. Meanwhile, Interior Ministry spokesperson Nour al-Din al-Baba stated that all tribal fighters had been evacuated from the city and that clashes within urban areas had ceased following the deployment of security forces to the northern and western outskirts of Suwayda.