(MENAFN) On Wednesday, the United States called on both Israel and the Syrian regime to pull back their forces following several days of escalating violence in the southern Syrian province of Suwayda.

“Well, certainly, an end to the conflict, an end to the nature of the violence that is happening, an Israeli withdrawal and a Syrian government withdrawal from the area as well,” State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated when questioned about what the U.S. hopes to see unfold in Syria in the near term.

When asked directly whether Washington has asked Israel to stop its airstrikes, Bruce refrained from disclosing the nature of any private diplomatic communications.

“We are calling on the Syrian government to, in fact, withdraw their military in order to enable all sides to de-escalate and find a path forward,” Bruce reiterated.

“That’s obviously the goal, because of the nature of what’s happened," she continued.

Tensions have surged in the south as fighting persisted between local Druze factions and Bedouin elements in Suwayda.

Meanwhile, Israel conducted strikes on Syrian territory on Tuesday, asserting that the military action was intended to safeguard the Druze population.

“We do understand that the Israeli forces intervened to protect the Druze — that is something we can confirm,” said Bruce, acknowledging Israel’s stated justification for its involvement.

MENAFN17072025000045017167ID1109811870