Damascus: The Syrian government confirmed that it has withdrawn military forces from the southern governorate of Suwayda, citing a desire to avoid further escalation and in response to US-Arab mediation efforts, local media reported early Friday.
According to Anadolu Agency, Syria's official news agency SANA reported that a statement released by the Presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic announced the decision to redeploy troops to their original positions. This decision was made 'within the framework of the Syrian state's commitment to avoiding further escalation' following mediation talks that took place late Wednesday.
The move, the Presidency noted, was based on guarantees that 'outlaw forces' would refrain from retaliatory violence and harming civilians. However, the statement highlighted that subsequent actions by these forces represented a violation of the understandings reached during mediation. These forces launched a campaign of violence that included crimes contradicting the obligations of mediation, threatening civil peace and leading the country toward chaos and security collapse.
The Syrian government called for restraint from all parties and emphasized the importance of reestablishing state authority in the region. It reiterated its stance on national unity and the protection of all citizens, urging international support to stabilize the country.
Furthermore, the statement condemned ongoing Israeli interference in Syrian affairs, warning that such actions lead to further chaos and complicate the regional situation. The Presidency reaffirmed the state's responsibility to safeguard the country's sovereignty and the safety of its people.