FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Syrian regime has intensified military operations within the southwest Syria de-escalation zone negotiated by Jordan, Russia, and the United States. This escalation – including airstrikes, artillery, barrel bombs, and rocket attacks – unambiguously violates ‎the southwest de-escalation arrangement and risks broadening the conflict and exacerbating civilian displacement. Recent Syrian regime operations have already resulted in the loss of life and the displacement of more than 11,000 people, according to the United Nations. Jordan, Russia, and the United States initiated the arrangement in the southwest last year, and until recently it has largely held. The United States negotiated the arrangement to de-escalate the conflict, save lives, create conditions for the safe and voluntary return of the displaced, and ultimately to move toward a peaceful political settlement in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. The southwest de-escalation area ceasefire reflects a commitment between President Trump and President Putin that must continue to be enforced. The United States remains determined to uphold our commitment and maintain this ceasefire.

“The Syrian regime’s violations ‎of the ceasefire in southwest Syria need to stop. We expect Russia to do its part to respect and enforce the ceasefire it helped establish, and to use the influence it has to stop the Syrian regime’s violations and any further destabilizing actions in the southwest and throughout Syria. Russia will ultimately bear responsibility for any further escalations in ‎Syria,” said Ambassador Haley.