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U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack urges restraint in Syria’s Sweida
U.S. Ambassador to Ankara and Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack expressed regret over the renewed escalation of tensions in Sweida. Barrack called for continued cooperation among the Druze community, Arab tribes and neighboring countries, and urged that armed force remain under state control.
U.S. Ambassador to Ankara and Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack expressed regret over the renewed escalation of tensions in Sweida, in southern Syria. Barrack said that armed groups fill the vacuum when state authority is absent.
A statement Barrack posted on his X account came after attacks carried out in Sweida by armed groups affiliated with Hikmat al-Hijri.
Barrack highlights a three-way road map
Thomas Barrack said that about a year ago he signed a three-way road map for peace in Sweida with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi.
Barrack said the plan envisaged recognizing the Druze community’s full rights and responsibilities as citizens and reintegrating the city in a way that would preserve its dignity. He argued that the process was the only way to prevent further suffering.
Atif Henidi’s detention
Barrack said that armed groups fill the vacuum created by the absence of state governance. He said Atif Henidi was arbitrarily detained and removed from his home during the developments in Sweida, adding that some people had turned their backs on their own community.
Shortly before his detention, Henidi had criticized Hikmat al-Hijri’s remarks about the Druze in a statement. Henidi also opposed defining the community through a narrative monopolized by a single person.
Call for state control over the use of force
Barrack said the U.S. team was in contact with Henidi as well as others caught in the violence. Calling for cooperation and mutual understanding among the Druze, Arab tribes and neighboring countries to be maintained, Barrack urged that the use of force remain under state control.
Barrack noted that in July, the Syrian government began bringing members of its own forces accused of crimes before the courts to answer for their actions, describing the step as an encouraging development. He said the process should continue.
Barrack called on the parties to adhere to the principles of restraint and sincere communication, saying that the alternative to dialogue would not be victory but a new period of suffering.
Attacks and ceasefire in Sweida
The Sweida Internal Security Command said last week that illegal groups had attacked positions in the village of Tall Hadid, west of the city, and in the Vlega area. The command said 10 security personnel were wounded in the attacks.
Armed groups affiliated with Hikmat al-Hijri were said to be trying to disrupt public life and create disorder in the city. A ceasefire agreement has been in effect in Sweida since July 2025.
Following the fall of the former Syrian government on December 8, 2024, al-Hijri called for Sweida to separate from the central government and attain what he described as an independent status. Al-Hijri was also described as having developed close relations with Israel and received open support from Israel.
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