U.S. Urges Calm as Clashes Flare in Syria’s Suwayda, Manbij

(MENAFN) Renewed clashes in Syria's Suwayda and Manbij regions have drawn concern from U.S. Special Envoy Tom Barrack, who on Monday urged restraint and dialogue to prevent further bloodshed.

Fighting reignited in Suwayda on Sunday when armed groups led by prominent Druze figure Hikmat al-Hijri reportedly breached a ceasefire, resulting in the death of a Syrian security officer and injuries to others. In the north, a rocket was fired at a military installation in Manbij by the YPG/PKK-aligned Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), media reported.

“Disturbing violence erupted yesterday in Suwayda and in Manbij. Diplomacy is the best way to stop violence and build a peaceful, lasting solution,” said Barrack, who also serves as the U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye, via his official X account.

He noted that the U.S. had played a role in negotiating a ceasefire in Suwayda and is now “co-mediating with France the reintegration of the northeast into a unified Syria.”

Calling on all factions to commit to peaceful resolution, Barrack added: “Syria deserves stability” and “Syrians deserve peace.”

Suwayda has been under a ceasefire agreement since July 19, following a week of violent confrontations between Druze groups and Bedouin tribes that left 426 people dead, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, based in London.

The Syrian transitional government—formed after Bashar al-Assad was removed from power on December 8, 2024—is attempting to rebuild order after nearly a quarter-century of authoritarian rule.

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