US envoy urges Syrian armed forces to halt fighting
(MENAFN) The U.S. special envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, on Sunday urged all armed factions in the country to halt hostilities and embrace peace, warning that continued tribal violence threatens Syria’s fragile progress toward stability.
“President Trump’s decision to lift sanctions was a principled step, offering the Syrian people a chance to move beyond years of unimaginable suffering and atrocities,” Barrack said in a statement posted on X.
He noted that the international community had cautiously welcomed Syria’s emerging government, hoping it could lead the country out of its prolonged crisis. However, recent events have cast doubt on that optimism.
Clashes erupted on July 13 between Bedouin Arab tribes and armed Druze groups in the southern province of Suwayda, followed by Israeli airstrikes targeting Syrian military sites in Damascus. The attacks were justified by Israel as necessary to protect Druze communities.
“This fragile ambition is now overshadowed by profound shock, as brutal acts by warring factions on the ground undermine the government’s authority and disrupt any semblance of order,” Barrack said.
The envoy emphasized that responsibility for peace lies with all sides involved in the fighting: “All factions must immediately lay down their arms, cease hostilities, and abandon cycles of tribal vengeance.”
“Syria stands at a critical juncture—peace and dialogue must prevail—and prevail now,” he urged.
His remarks come a day after the Syrian presidency declared a nationwide ceasefire and deployed security forces to restore calm in Suwayda. Barrack also previously announced a truce between Syria and Israel aimed at curbing the recent wave of violence.
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