The US State Department strongly condemned the ongoing violence in Syria on Thursday. Washington asked all sides involved to reduce tensions and begin “meaningful dialogue” to reach a lasting ceasefire. The US said it is working actively to calm the situation in Syria.
Recently, Israel launched fresh airstrikes in Syria. It said these were aimed at protecting the Druze community, especially in the Sweida region. However, the US clarified it does not support Israel’s military action. Instead, it is in talks with both Israel and Syria to find a peaceful solution.
In a statement, the US said, “All parties must step back and engage in meaningful dialogue that leads to lasting peace.”
US Focuses on Reducing Tensions
US State Secretary Marco Rubio said progress was being made. He stated that Washington is working towards “real de-escalation” and remains committed to solving the conflict. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce added, “Actively engaging all constituencies in Syria to navigate towards the calm and continued discussion on integration.”
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt also told reporters that the situation was slowly improving. She said, “Syria agreed to draw back their troops that were in the area where that clash was ongoing, and we continue to be very actively monitoring the situation.”
Syria Accuses Israel and Protects Druze Minority
Meanwhile, Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, accused Israel of trying to destabilise the country. He promised to protect the Druze minority after the US helped broker a temporary ceasefire between Syrian government forces and Druze fighters.
Most of the Syrian government troops withdrew from Sweida province on Thursday after intense fighting. Local Druze militias, however, still pose a challenge to the region’s fragile peace. The clashes have caused many deaths and disrupted Syria’s recovery after years of civil war.
Bedouin Fighters Launch New Attack
Despite the ceasefire between the government and Druze forces, a new threat emerged. A Bedouin military commander said their fighters had launched a fresh attack against Druze militias in Sweida. He claimed the truce only applied to the Syrian army, not to their forces.
Druze Community to Handle Sweida’s Security
In a public address, Syrian leader al-Sharaa said the new ceasefire agreement gives the Druze community responsibility for maintaining order in Sweida. Local clerics and leaders will help ensure internal security in the region.
Israel Pledges to Protect Druze Community
At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised to keep southern Syria demilitarised. He also vowed to protect the Druze people, saying, “This will also be the continuation of our policy.”
Death Toll in Sweida Rises
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), at least 594 people have died in Sweida province since the clashes began. The dead include 300 Druze fighters, of which 154 were civilians. The report also confirmed that 257 Syrian government soldiers and 18 Bedouin fighters have died. Additionally, three Bedouin tribe members were executed by Druze fighters during the conflict.