Syria has announced that it is working with the United States to develop new security understandings with Israel. The move is part of a broader plan to calm Sweida province after weeks of deadly sectarian violence.
The Syrian foreign ministry said Washington is consulting with Damascus to draft agreements that will address the security concerns of both Syria and Israel. A military source revealed that heavy weapons have already been withdrawn from southern areas in line with Israeli demands for demilitarisation. The withdrawal extends nearly 10 kilometres outside Damascus.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed earlier that talks are underway to create a demilitarised zone in the south. This region has seen repeated Israeli military action since the fall of former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad in December.
The unrest in Sweida began in July when clashes between Druze fighters and Sunni Bedouin escalated. Violence quickly spread, involving tribal militias and government forces. Israel launched air strikes on Syrian positions, citing concerns for its Druze community and demands for demilitarisation.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that more than 2,000 people have been killed. Among them were 789 Druze civilians allegedly executed by security forces.
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani unveiled a US- and Jordan-backed roadmap to stabilise Sweida. The plan includes justice for victims, financial compensation, and reconciliation steps. Jordan confirmed that a trilateral mechanism will oversee implementation, while US envoy Tom Barrack described the measures as historic.
To rebuild trust, the government appointed Suleiman Abdel Baqi, a Druze figure, as Sweida’s new internal security chief. Diplomats said Syrian and Israeli officials have already met several times, with another round scheduled in Baku later this week.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa stated that ongoing talks aim to secure a deal under which Israel would withdraw from recently occupied areas of Syria.
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