The United States has formally called on the Syrian government to pull its troops out of the volatile Sweida province in southern Syria, signalling a clear push for de-escalation following intense sectarian clashes. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce informed reporters that the aim is to enable all parties to step back and pave the way for peaceful dialogue.
These renewed tensions unfolded in Sweida after fierce fighting between Druze militias and Bedouin Arab factions, during which Syrian forces attempted to intervene, escalating hostilities across the region.
U.S. officials emphasised that both Israeli and Syrian military presences are complicating the situation and hinder efforts at stabilisation. By urging the Syrian army’s withdrawal, Washington seeks to allow local Druze leadership to manage communal security under the freshly brokered ceasefire, which was mediated by the U.S., Turkey, and Arab partners.
Top American diplomat Marco Rubio expressed cautious optimism for quick progress and a restoration of calm, while the truce is seen as fragile amid regional volatility.
Reportedly, Syrian forces have begun pulling back, ceding responsibility for security to Druze factions, marking a critical phase in diffusing one of Syria’s most severe sectarian flare‑ups yet.
These security developments come on the heels of heightened Israeli airstrikes in Damascus and Sweida that further inflamed tensions, drawing global concern and calls for civilian protection. Washington’s withdrawal request, coupled with the ceasefire, aims to reverse the spiral and prevent further violence in the borderland region.
Significantly, the move underscores U.S. strategic involvement in promoting stability in Syria even as broader troop reduction plans continue in the northeast under Operation Inherent Resolve.
