Rubio Urges Syria to Act Against Violence in Suwayda

(MENAFN) On Saturday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on the Syrian government to deploy security forces in the southern region to "immediately" halt the ongoing violence between Druze and Bedouin groups, aiming to prevent further atrocities.

Rubio emphasized that if the authorities in Damascus wish to maintain any hope of achieving a unified, inclusive, and peaceful Syria—free from ISIS (Daesh) influence and Iranian control—they must take urgent action.

Specifically, he urged the use of security forces to block the entry of ISIS and other violent jihadist groups from the region to stop any massacres. He conveyed these remarks on X, a social media platform.

In his statement, Rubio also mentioned that the US has been actively engaged for the past three days in coordinating efforts with Israel, Jordan, and Syrian authorities in Damascus to address the "horrifying and dangerous developments" taking place in the southern province of Suwayda.

He condemned the ongoing atrocities, including the "rape and slaughter of innocent people," and called for an end to the violence.

Additionally, he stressed the need for the Syrian government to “hold accountable and bring to justice anyone guilty of atrocities,” even those within their own ranks.

The violence began on July 13 when clashes erupted between Bedouin Arab tribes and armed Druze factions in Suwayda.

Tensions escalated further, leading to Israeli airstrikes on Syrian military positions and infrastructure in Damascus.

Israel justified the attacks by citing the need to protect Druze communities in the region.

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