Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on Syria’s new government to take action against terrorist groups that are attacking religious minorities, particularly the Druze community in southern Syria. Rubio emphasized that if President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s administration wants to unify the country, it must protect these vulnerable groups.
In a recent statement, Rubio highlighted the ongoing violence in southern Syria, which has raised fears of a peaceful transition for the war-torn nation. He expressed concern over reports of horrific acts, including killings and assaults against innocent civilians. The U.S. has been actively involved in discussions with Israel, Jordan, and Syrian officials over the situation, aiming to address the alarming developments in the region.
On Sunday, U.S. special envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, announced that a ceasefire had been established in southern Syria, allowing for negotiations regarding hostages. He noted that all parties had agreed to pause hostilities, which is a crucial step towards reducing violence and ensuring humanitarian aid can reach those in need. Barrack stated that the next essential step is to facilitate a complete exchange of hostages and detainees.
The recent clashes in southern Syria escalated when Syrian government forces confronted Druze militias, leading to Israeli airstrikes against Syrian positions. Rubio urged the Syrian government to restore peace rather than target the Druze, stressing the importance of accountability for any atrocities committed.
The fighting has primarily centered in the Druze-majority Sweida province, where tensions between Druze and Bedouin tribes have resulted in violence against civilians from both sides. Reports indicate that brutal acts have been inflicted on captives and innocent people.
Israel, which has a significant Druze population, has been closely monitoring the situation and has conducted strikes in Syria to protect Druze civilians. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they are prepared for various scenarios as the situation develops.
As the conflict continues, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that can bring lasting peace to Syria and protect its diverse populations from further violence.
