Outlaw groups committed horrific crimes violating US-Arab mediation, says Syrian presidency

The Syrian presidency announced Thursday that the country’s military leadership has decided to withdraw armed forces to their barracks in response to a joint US-Arab mediation initiative aimed at calming tensions in Sweida province.

In a series of statements, the presidency said the move is intended to “give space for de-escalation efforts” in the southern region, which has witnessed growing unrest and clashes in recent days.

Damascus emphasized that the mediation also places clear obligations on “unlawful armed groups” not to resort to revenge or violence against civilians. It accused these groups of committing “horrific crimes” that violate the principles laid out in the American-Arab agreement.

The presidency further warned that such groups “pose a direct threat to civil peace,” underscoring the urgency of restoring stability through dialogue and restraint.