Turkey works with Jumblat, US envoy, and Israel to de-escalate Syria clashes

A Turkish official said Thursday that Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and intelligence chief İbrahim Kalin held a series of diplomatic and security contacts to de-escalate the clashes in Syria's Sweida.

They worked with the U.S. special envoy for Syria, Israel, and regional officials and leaders, including Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblat, said the official who requested anonymity to discuss the issue.

The escalation in Syria began with tit-for-tat kidnappings and attacks between local Sunni Bedouin tribes and Druze armed factions in the southern province of Sweida. Government forces that intervened to restore order clashed with the Druze militias, but also in some cases attacked civilians.

The tensions spread to Lebanon where Druze protesters were seen in videos insulting army troops in Dahr al-Baydar, blocking roads and assaulting Syrian workers, passersby and residents in several parts of Lebanon.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Jumblat called for restraint, prudence, and wisdom in Lebanon to avoid reactions that could create internal tensions.

Progressive Socialist Party leader Taymour Jumblat and Druze spiritual leader in Lebanon Sheikh Sami Abi al-Mona condemned the attacks on civilians and urged the members of the Druze community not to assault Syrians.