Syria, Jordan, and the US Collaborate on Security Plan for Suwayda

In a concerted effort to restore stability in the violence-stricken province of Suwayda, officials from Syria, Jordan, and the United States have unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing the aftermath of recent sectarian violence. This initiative comes in the wake of a tragic outbreak of violence in July that resulted in the deaths of over 250 individuals.

Overview of the Security Roadmap

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani announced the details of the proposed roadmap on Tuesday, following a meeting with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack in Damascus. The plan encompasses several key components designed to promote security and facilitate recovery in Suwayda, which is predominantly inhabited by the Druze community.

Al-Shibani outlined the roadmap’s objectives, which include holding accountable those responsible for attacks on civilians, continuing humanitarian and medical assistance, compensating affected individuals, ensuring the safe return of displaced persons, restoring essential services, and deploying local Interior Ministry forces to secure transportation routes. Additionally, the plan aims to uncover the fate of missing individuals and to facilitate the return of those who have been abducted.

The Context of Recent Violence

The violence in Suwayda erupted in mid-July following the abduction of a Druze truck driver along a public highway. This incident escalated into a broader conflict that involved Bedouin tribal fighters from various regions of Syria. A ceasefire was eventually established after a week of intense fighting, which highlighted the fragile security situation in the area.

In response to the unrest, Israel conducted numerous airstrikes targeting government forces in Suwayda, even striking the Syrian Ministry of Defence headquarters in Damascus. Israel has expressed its commitment to protecting Syria’s Druze minority, whom it views as potential allies in a complex regional landscape.

Regional Cooperation and Security Understandings

The Syrian Foreign Ministry has indicated that discussions are ongoing between Damascus and Washington to establish security understandings with Israel concerning southern Syria. These discussions are framed within the broader context of addressing the legitimate security concerns of both Syria and Israel, while also emphasizing the importance of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Al-Shibani underscored the need for a united approach, stating, “Suwayda belongs to all its components, and it is the state’s duty to restore trust among them, return the displaced, and there is a determination to restore normal life to the governorate.”

This latest initiative builds on previous negotiations held in Amman during July and August, which aimed to solidify the ceasefire and explore resolutions to the ongoing conflict in Suwayda. Since July 19, the province has maintained a ceasefire, but the situation remains precarious.

Displacement and Humanitarian Efforts

The Syrian government is also focusing on plans to facilitate the return of over 160,000 displaced individuals who have fled the violence, according to estimates from the United Nations. However, al-Shibani did not provide specific details on how these plans would be implemented.

The violence in Suwayda is part of the broader turmoil that has engulfed Syria since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began in 2011. Following the fall of the Assad regime in December, Israel deployed troops to the buffer zone along the Golan Heights, which remains under Israeli occupation and is recognized as Syrian territory.

Statements from Regional Leaders

Jordan’s Foreign Minister Safadi emphasized the interconnectedness of security in Syria and Jordan, asserting that “all Syrians are equal citizens in rights and duties within their state.” He highlighted the collaborative nature of the Syrian-Jordanian-American plan, which aims to address the recent turmoil in Suwayda while reinforcing the principles of Syrian unity and stability.

US envoy Barrack, representing the Biden administration, expressed a commitment to aiding Syria in stabilizing and rebuilding after years of conflict. He stated, “We want Syria to stabilize, recover, and rebuild after years of destruction and suffering, and to start practical steps toward a brighter future for all Syrians.”

Challenges Ahead

Despite the ambitious goals outlined in the new plan, no concrete steps have been detailed regarding how these objectives will be achieved. The complexities of the situation, including ongoing tensions and the history of violence, suggest that the path to stability may be fraught with challenges. As Barrack noted, building confidence among the various factions involved “takes inches, centimetres and decades to build and can be lost in an instant.”

The Syrian government has also placed blame on Israel for the unrest, asserting that it holds the country “fully responsible.” The ongoing Israeli airstrikes against Syrian targets have further complicated the security landscape, as the situation remains volatile.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Syria, Jordan, and the United States represents a significant step towards addressing the immediate security concerns in Suwayda, but the success of this initiative will depend on the effective implementation of the proposed measures and the ability to navigate the complex regional dynamics at play.

Key Facts

– **Participants**: Syria, Jordan, and the United States.
– **Recent Violence**: Over 250 people killed in sectarian violence in Suwayda in July.
– **Objectives of the Plan**: Accountability for attacks, humanitarian aid, return of displaced persons, and restoration of services.
– **Ceasefire**: Established on July 19, 2023, and has been maintained since.
– **Displaced Individuals**: Over 160,000 people displaced due to the violence.
– **Israeli Involvement**: Conducted airstrikes in response to the unrest, pledging protection for the Druze minority.

Source: www.aljazeera.com