U.S. envoy Tom Barrack said he was concerned about renewed tensions in Suwayda province in southern Syria and called on all sides to show restraint and pursue dialogue. Barrack said the tripartite roadmap signed about a year ago aims to reintegrate the province into Syria in a dignified manner while protecting the citizenship rights and obligations of the Druze community.
The statement came after Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi held talks in Damascus with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. Safadi and al-Shaibani also discussed in detail the implementation of a joint roadmap aimed at resolving the Suwayda crisis.
Scope of the tripartite plan
The roadmap adopted by Jordan, Syria and the United States on September 16, 2025, includes measures concerning security, humanitarian aid, public services and the judiciary, as well as social reconciliation.
The plan calls for the establishment of a joint mechanism to monitor its implementation. The roadmap is intended to be carried out on the basis of Syria’s territorial integrity and state sovereignty, along with the rights of all citizens.
Ceasefire remains in effect in Suwayda
A ceasefire remains in effect in Suwayda following clashes between Bedouin tribes and Druze fighters in July 2025. Hundreds of people were killed or injured in the clashes.
Barrack said the violence had once again turned into internal communal conflict. The U.S. envoy said he was in contact with Atef Huneidi, who he said had been arbitrarily detained and removed from his home, as well as with other affected people.
Barrack also argued that armed groups were filling the vacuum emerging in areas without governance.
Groups affiliated with Druze spiritual leader Hikmat al-Hijri are accused of repeatedly violating the ceasefire. The Damascus administration, meanwhile, has facilitated evacuations and humanitarian efforts while maintaining the ceasefire.
Following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s administration in December 2024, officials have been working to restore security across the country and expand state authority. Some armed groups, however, continue to operate independently.
