U.S. Envoy Confirms Halt in Hostilities; Druze Leadership Demands Damascus Withdraw Forces
U.S. Special Envoy Tom Barrack announces a fragile ceasefire takes hold in southern Syria amid calls for Damascus' withdrawal from Suwayda. As humanitarian aid stalls and prisoner exchanges begin, the deal’s success hinges on lasting de-escalation and international oversight.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The United States Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, confirmed on Sunday that a ceasefire agreement has taken effect in southern Syria, stating that as of 17:00 local time in Damascus, all parties “have navigated to a pause and cessation of hostilities.”
In a post on X, Ambassador Barrack emphasized the urgency of containing the escalating conflict. “Escalating hostilities can only be contained with an agreement to pause violence, protect the innocent, allow humanitarian access, and step back from danger,” he wrote.
He further underlined that the next phase toward de-escalation and reconciliation must include a full exchange of hostages and detainees. “The logistics of which are in process,” he added, suggesting groundwork is underway to secure the release of all captives.
Druze Spiritual Leadership Calls for Damascus Withdrawal
The ceasefire comes amid intensifying calls from the Druze spiritual leadership for the immediate withdrawal of Damascus-affiliated forces—namely the Syrian Army, intelligence units, and allied militias—from the entire Suwayda region, including Jabal al-Arab and its surrounding villages.
In a strongly worded statement, the Druze leadership cited the "painful and tragic events" and "horrific massacres" committed against innocent civilians as justification for their demands. The statement also called for the urgent restoration of internet and telecommunications services in order to facilitate communications and lay the groundwork for an immediate prisoner exchange.
According to the leadership, the operation must be carried out at 6:00 p.m. local time in the central square of the village of Umm al-Zaytoun, with international sponsors of the agreement overseeing the process to ensure the safe return of kidnapped women, children, and men.
Humanitarian Convoys Blocked Amid Security Concerns
Earlier in the day, the Syrian Foreign Ministry accused "armed outlaw militias" of obstructing a humanitarian convoy bound for Suwayda, despite prior coordination between multiple government ministries and agencies.
The Foreign Ministry warned of "serious security repercussions" stemming from the increasing tensions and reiterated that preparations for humanitarian deployment—coordinated with the Ministries of Health, Emergency Management, and Social Affairs, along with governors of Suwayda and Daraa—were ready pending improved security conditions.
Ceasefire Implementation Begins
On Saturday, internal security forces were deployed in Suwayda as part of the initial implementation of the ceasefire agreement, which followed days of intense clashes.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that over 1,000 individuals were killed in the recent bout of violence, underscoring the severe toll the conflict has exacted on the southern province.
As diplomatic efforts intensify and humanitarian concerns mount, international stakeholders continue to press for sustained calm, a full prisoner exchange, and renewed dialogue toward long-term stabilization in Syria’s restive south.
