US urges Syrian government restraint in Suwayda, reaffirms support for SDF ahead of talks in Amman

DARAMSUQ — Michael Mitchell, the US State Department’s regional spokesperson, expressed deep concern over escalating violence in Syria’s Suwayda Governorate, warning against the excessive use of force on civilians exercising their right to peaceful protest. He also reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in their fight against the Islamic State (ISIS), urging all parties to show restraint and avoid clashes that could further destabilize the region.

Mitchell said Washington is closely monitoring recent clashes between government forces and local factions in Suwayda. He stressed that the Syrian government bears direct responsibility for protecting civilians and safeguarding their rights, calling on Damascus to hold those responsible for violations accountable and to avoid any escalation that could deepen the crisis.

Despite the international focus on Suwayda, Mitchell underlined that the US partnership with the SDF remains a cornerstone of its counterterrorism strategy in Syria, noting that cooperation with the forces has proven effective in confronting the ongoing threat posed by ISIS.

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Mitchell’s comments come ahead of a trilateral meeting scheduled for Tuesday in Amman, Jordan, where representatives from Jordan, Syria, and the United States will discuss Syria’s political and military situation. The talks will include Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack, and senior Jordanian officials. The meeting will follow up on discussions held 19 July aimed at stabilizing the ceasefire in Suwayda and exploring solutions to the crisis.

According to diplomatic sources, Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi will also hold separate bilateral talks with both al-Shaibani and Barrack in an effort to bridge differences. The ongoing instability in southern Syria, they warned, risks complicating counterterrorism operations and undermining regional security.

Mitchell’s remarks highlight a dual-track US policy toward Syria: exerting pressure on the Syrian government to end violence against civilians while maintaining a security alliance with the SDF to sustain the fight against terrorism. This stance comes against a backdrop of increasingly complex political and military dynamics in the region.