U.S. envoy urges sustained ceasefire, prisoner exchange in Syria’s Suwayda
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – U.S. Special Envoy for Syria, Thomas Barak, stated on Sunday that the escalating hostilities in southern Syria’s Suwayda governorate can only be contained through a comprehensive agreement to cease violence.
In a post on X, Barrack emphasized that “Escalating hostilities can only be contained with an agreement to pause violence, protect the innocent, allow humanitarian access, and step back from danger.”
He added that, as of 5:00 p.m. Damascus time, all parties involved had agreed to the ceasefire.
Barrack concluded his statement by noting that a full exchange of detainees and prisoners is the next foundational step toward inclusivity and lasting de-escalation, adding that logistical preparations for such an exchange are underway.
“The next foundation stone on a path to inclusion, and lasting de-escalation, is a complete exchange of hostages and detainees, the logistics of which are in process.”
The city of Suwayda has entered a phase of relative calm following recent clashes between Druze armed groups and tribal militants on its western outskirts. The de-escalation comes hours after the Syrian presidency announced a nationwide ceasefire.