The Syrian Presidency announced in an official statement today that its military withdrawal from Suwayda city was conducted in compliance with last night's Arab-American mediation agreement, but condemned what it called "outlaw groups" for subsequently committing "horrific crimes that blatantly violate the mediation's terms."

Key Points from the Statement:

1. Withdrawal Rationale

   • Military pullback intended to create space for de-escalation

   • Based on "clear understanding" requiring armed groups to:
     ✓ Refrain from reprisals
     ✓ Avoid violence against civilians

2. Alleged Violations

   • Accused groups of launching:
     ✓ Documented "horrific violent operations"
     ✓ Crimes threatening social peace
     ✓ Actions pushing toward "security collapse"

3. Government Position

   • Reiterated commitment to:
     ✓ Protect all Syrian citizens regardless of affiliation
     ✓ Hold perpetrators accountable
     ✓ Restore state sovereignty and rule of law

4. Regional Concerns

   • Warned against Israel's "blatant interference" in Syrian affairs

   • Vowed to continue protecting national unity and citizen safety

Critical Excerpts:

"The subsequent events represent a clear breach of these understandings... crimes wholly incompatible with the mediation's commitments that directly threaten civil peace."

"Syria reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protect all its people while applying the law equally to all violators, regardless of their affiliations."