Syria stands at a critical juncture, peace must prevail: Barrack
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US envoy Tom Barrack calls for an end to hostilities in Syria as Sweida ceasefire begins.
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US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack speaks during an interview with The Associated Press at the airport in Damascus, Syria, on July 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Ghaith Alsayed)
US Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack has called on all Syrian factions to immediately lay down their arms, urging an end to the ongoing cycle of tribal violence and revenge.
"Syria is at a critical juncture where peace and dialogue must prevail now," he stated in a post on the X platform on Sunday.
Barrak’s appeal comes in the wake of renewed hostilities in southern Syria. Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, he described the country's turmoil as "a fragile ambition now overshadowed by a profound shock," referring to recent brutal acts committed in Sweida that have further destabilized the already fragile security environment.
He also cited US President Donald Trump's earlier decision to lift sanctions on Syria, calling it "a first step that provided the Syrian people with an opportunity to move beyond years of unbelievable suffering and atrocities."
President Trump’s decision to lift sanctions was a principled step, offering the Syrian people a chance to move beyond years of unimaginable suffering and atrocities. The international community has largely rallied behind the nascent Syrian government, watching with cautious…
— Ambassador Tom Barrack (@USAMBTurkiye) July 20, 2025
The Syrian presidency announced a comprehensive and immediate ceasefire in the province of Sweida on Saturday after deadly clashes broke out on July 13 between Druze military factions, tribal fighters, and the Syrian army, resulting in the deaths of hundreds over several days.
Security forces have begun deploying across key areas in the region to oversee the enforcement of the ceasefire and prevent further escalation.
US envoy meets SDF leader
On Saturday, Barrack met with US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) General Commander Mazloum Abdi to discuss the ongoing situation in Syria and the urgent need for restoring calm and stability across the country.
According to a statement released by the US Embassy, the two officials explored practical steps toward achieving integration into a unified Syrian state and agreed that "the time for unity is now." The meeting emphasized the necessity of national cohesion in building a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous Syria.
Barrack also expressed gratitude to Abdi for his leadership and reaffirmed Washington’s appreciation for the SDF's continued partnership in fighting ISIS in northeastern Syria.
