US envoy praises Syria detainee swap as step toward stability

US Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack praised Friday the successful detainee exchange between Syrian government forces and armed Druze groups in southern Syria, describing the operation as a positive move toward national reconciliation. "With valued assistance" from the International Committee of the Red Cross, "25 government fighters and 61 Druze fighters were exchanged" Thursday "in a smooth and orderly process," Barrack stated on social media.

Families Reunited, Stability Advanced

Barrack emphasized the humanitarian significance of the swap, noting that "families reunited" through the operation. He characterized the exchange as "a step away from vengeance, and a step toward stability," expressing Washington's honor in helping facilitate the effort. The envoy specifically thanked US Rep. Abe Hamadeh for "his initiative, quiet persistence, and moral clarity in helping get this process started."

Suwayda Context and Government Consolidation

The exchange follows Thursday's Syrian security forces operation aimed at securing the return of detainees held by armed groups in Suwayda province. Suwayda has observed a fragile ceasefire since July 2025 following armed clashes between Bedouin tribes and Druze factions that left hundreds dead or wounded. Since the fall of the previous regime on December 8, 2024, the Syrian government has worked to impose security across the country, with Damascus emphasizing its determination to assert control over all national territory despite continued unrest from armed groups.