US envoy urges end to tribal violence in Syria

ANKARA

The US special envoy to Syria on Sunday urged all warring groups in Syria to immediately cease hostilities and commit to peace.

“President (Donald) 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,” Tom Barrack said in a statement on X.

"The international community has largely rallied behind the nascent Syrian government, watching with cautious optimism as it seeks to transition from a legacy of pain to a future of hope," he added.

On July 13, clashes broke out between Bedouin Arab tribes and armed Druze groups in Suwayda. Violence escalated and Israeli airstrikes followed, including on Syrian military positions and infrastructure in Damascus.

Barrack said “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."

The envoy emphasized that the burden of responsibility lies not only with the state but with all actors involved in the conflict.

"All factions must immediately lay down their arms, cease hostilities, and abandon cycles of tribal vengeance," he urged. "Syria stands at a critical juncture—peace and dialogue must prevail—and prevail now."

Barrack’s statement follows the Syrian presidency’s announcement of a nationwide ceasefire on Saturday, intended to halt the recent violence and restore order to Suwayda province. Earlier, the envoy had announced a truce between Syria and Israel.

Security forces were deployed in the restive region and officials declared a halt to the clashes.

After the December 2024 ouster of Bashar al-Assad, a new transitional administration led by Ahmed al-Sharaa was formed in January.