U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the severe fighting in the Druze stronghold of As-Suwayda in southern Syria, writing on his X account that "the United States is deeply concerned about the horrific and dangerous developments. Rape and massacre of innocent people are still occurring and must end." According to him, "if the authorities in Damascus want to preserve any chance of achieving a united, inclusive and peaceful Syria, free from ISIS and Iranian control, they must help end this catastrophe by using security forces. They must prosecute all those guilty of atrocities, including those in their ranks. The fighting between Druze and Bedouin groups must cease immediately."