US special envoy Barrack urges restraint in Syria’s Sweida — The National (UAE)
US Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack called on the sides to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue amid a new escalation in the southern Syrian province of Sweida. According to The National (UAE), at least 10 security personnel were injured on Monday during an exchange of fire between Syrian state security forces and an armed Druze group.
Syrian state media said that security personnel were repelling attacks by “outlaw groups.” Barrack said he was saddened by the renewed escalation in Sweida and stressed that there is no alternative to negotiations if the region wants to avoid further bloodshed.
Roadmap for the province
The US representative recalled a trilateral peace roadmap that he signed nearly a year ago together with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi. According to Barrack, the document provides for the “dignified reintegration” of the province into Syria, with full citizens’ rights and obligations for the Druze community.
Barrack also expressed concern over intra-community violence and said that his team remains in contact with local figure Atef Huneidi and other people affected by the escalation. He called on Druze, Arab tribes and neighboring countries to continue cooperation based on tolerance and mutual understanding.
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Consequences of last year’s violence
Sweida, whose population is mostly Druze, is one of the last areas of Syria outside the authority of President Ahmad al-Sharaa. Syrian security forces have been deployed around the city of Sweida and its outskirts following an operation launched in July 2025 to suppress fighting in the region.
A UN investigation in March found that more than 1,700 people, mostly Druze civilians as well as members of the Bedouin community, were killed during violence in the province last year. UN investigators said that Syrian security forces, Bedouin fighters and Druze armed groups may have committed war crimes. Barrack welcomed Syrian authorities’ efforts to investigate alleged crimes by their forces and hold those responsible accountable.
“The only way forward is dialogue that will ensure accountability, restore security and pave the way for the return of displaced people and the reconstruction of what was destroyed,” he said.
