The United States' special envoy for Syria on Wednesday called on all parties to step back and engage in dialogue for a lasting ceasefire in Syria following clashes with Druze factions in the south and Israeli strikes in Damascus.
"We unequivocally condemn violence against civilians in Sweida... All parties must step back and engage in meaningful dialogue that leads to a lasting ceasefire," Tom Barrack said on X, adding that "perpetrators need to be held accountable."
His statement comes as Israel warned Syria's new authorities against targeting the Druze and launched air strikes near the Syrian army's headquarters.
Washington is talking with both Israel and Syria after the Israelis bombed the Syrian army headquarters in Damascus, the top US diplomat said, expressing concern at the attack.
"We're talking to both sides, all the relevant sides on this and hopefully we can bring it to a conclusion, but we're very concerned," US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
France
France called for an end to "abuses targeting civilians" in Syria's Sweida after a war monitor accused government forces of summary executions and other abuses.
"The abuses targeting civilians, which we strongly condemn, must stop," the foreign ministry said, calling for an "immediate cessation of clashes" and urging all sides to respect a ceasefire.
"France supports the efforts of the Syrian transitional authorities and the leaders of the Sweida region to restore dialogue and hopes for a lasting agreement to strengthen the unity, stability, and sovereignty of Syria, as well as the safety of all Syrians," Paris said.
Turkey
Turkey condemned Israel's strikes on Syrian army headquarters in Damascus, saying they sought to undermine stability in the war-torn country.
"Israel's attacks on Damascus, following its military interventions in the south of Syria, constitute an act of sabotage against Syria's efforts to secure peace, stability, and security," the foreign ministry said in a statement.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Israel's air strikes on Syria as the country puts pressure on Damascus to protect the Druze minority following clashes.
"The Secretary-General further condemns Israel's escalatory airstrikes on Suweida, Daraa and in the center of Damascus, as well as reports of the Israeli army’s redeployment of forces in the Golan," Guterres's spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
United Nations
The UN's Syria envoy expressed hope for genuine de-escalation in the violence-hit Druze-majority city of Sweida as he voiced alarm at reports of corpses being desecrated and mutilated.
Syria said a new ceasefire would halt military operations, though a truce announced on Tuesday appeared to have little effect in the southern region, where days of violence have left more than 300 dead, according to a monitor.
Geir Pedersen, the United Nations' special envoy for Syria, said he was "deeply alarmed by reports of civilians, religious figures and detainees being subject to humiliating treatment; the desecration and mutilation of corpses; sectarian incitement; and the looting of private property."
AFP
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