Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday urged the new government of Syria to crack down on terror groups “carrying out massacres” against religious minorities in the country’s south.
Syria’s government, led President Ahmed al-Sharaa, must step in to protect religious minorities, mainly Druze, in its south if the government wants achieve a unified Syria, Rubio said. The fighting has dampend hope that Syria may be able transition to a peaceful state.
“The U.S. has remained heavily involved over the last three days with Israel, Jordan and authorities in Damascus on the horrifying & dangerous developments in southern Syria,” said Rubio in a post on X. “The rape and slaughter of innocent people which has and is still occuring must end.”
U.S. special envoy to Syria Tom Barrack said on Sunday morning that a ceasefire had been struck between forces in Syria’s south, and that it was holding while negotiations for hostages moved forward.
“Escalating hostilities can only be contained with an agreement to pause violence, protect the innocent, allow humanitarian access, and step back from danger. As of 17:00 Damascus time, all parties have navigated to a pause and cessation of hostilities. 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,” said Barrack.
Clashes in Syria’s south have taken place for weeks. Violence escalated recently when Syrian government forces moved against Druze militias led by Druze leader Hikmat al Hijri last week. In response, Israel launched airstrikes against Syrian forces, causing them to withdraw.
Rubio called on the Syrian government, which has taken the side of Bedouin tribes against Druze, to restore peace to the region instead of targeting the Druze minority.
“If authorities in Damascus want to preserve any chance of achieving a unified, inclusive and peaceful Syria free of ISIS and of Iranian control they must help end this calamity by using their security forces to prevent ISIS and any other violent jihadists from entering the area and carrying out massacres. And they must hold accountable and bring to justice anyone guilty of atrocities including those in their own ranks,” said Rubio.
Rubio also called for a stop to fighting between Druze and Bedouin tribes in Syria’s Sweida province, where the fighting has concentrated in the Druze-majority region.
After the withdrawal of Syrian government forces, Druze militias moved against Bedouin tribes, sparking retaliatory attacks against Druze. Brutality has reportedly taken place against civilians and captives of both sides.
Israel has maintained military control over parts of southern Syria to keep a buffer zone between the Jewish state and Syria, which is rife with tribal violence and jihadists – Syria’s president is a longtime terrorist with ties to Al-Qaeda and ISIS. Israel, which has a sizable Druze population living in its north, has promised to protect the Druze population in Syria’s south.
As part of its strikes, Israel hit targets in the Syrian capital of Damascus. Israel said it took action in defense of Druze civilians that were targeted by Syria’s military.
“The IDF continues to monitor developments and the regime’s actions against Druze civilians in southern Syria. In accordance with directives from the political echelon, the IDF is conducting strikes in the area and remains prepared for various scenarios,” the Israeli military said.