U.S. envoy urges restraint as Syria’s Suwayda tensions escalate
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack on Sunday expressed concern over renewed tensions in Suwayda, southern Syria, calling for restraint, dialogue and accountability amid reports of escalating intra-Druze tensions in the southern governorate.
Barrack said that the latest escalation threatened to return Suwayda to “grief” nearly a year after the United States, Syria and Jordan signed a trilateral roadmap aimed at bringing peace and stability to the governorate.
The roadmap, signed by Barrack alongside Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi, envisioned the “dignified reintegration” of Suwayda into Syria while guaranteeing the Druze community the full rights and obligations of citizenship.
“That path remains the only one that leads anywhere but back to grief,” Barrack said.
His remarks came following heightened tensions surrounding the reported detention and abduction of local dignitary Atef Hunaidi, who was subsequently forced to leave Suwayda for Damascus after criticizing statements made by prominent Druze leader Hikmat al-Hijri.
Syrian state television reported on Sep. 4 that what it described as “outlaw groups” in Suwayda forced Hunaidi, a prominent local figure, to leave the city after he was allegedly abducted from his home the previous night.
The broadcaster said Hunaidi had issued a statement condemning al-Hijri’s remarks and later arrived in Damascus.
Barrack added that a small number of people with “toxic motives” were turning against members of their own community, specifically referring to Hunaidi, whom he said had been arbitrarily detained and driven from his home.
“Our team is in contact with Mr. Hunaidi and with others caught in this campaign of intracommunal violence,” Barrack said.
He called for greater cooperation among the Druze community, Arab tribes and neighboring countries along Suwayda’s borders, stressing the need for tolerance and communal dialogue.
Suwayda, located in southern Syria near the Jordanian border, is predominantly inhabited by Druze, a religious minority with communities across Syria, Lebanon, Israel and Jordan. The governorate has maintained a distinct political and social position throughout Syria’s conflict, with local Druze religious and community leaders playing a major role in its administration and security.
Barrack pointed out that the Syrian transitional government had begun confronting serious crimes committed by its forces during violence in Suwayda last July and was taking steps to hold those responsible accountable before Syrian courts.
He indicated that accountability, restored security and meaningful dialogue were necessary to enable displaced residents to return and allow reconstruction to begin.
“The alternative to talking is not victory. It is only the next round of mourning,” Barrack said, urging all parties to demonstrate restraint and engage in serious communication.