The United States strongly condemns the violence perpetrated against civilians in the Suwayda governorate of Syria that started in July. Clashes between local Druze and Bedouin communities escalated into significant violence in mid-July at which point Syrian government troops entered the fray. Ambassador Shea reiterated the need for Syrian authorities to hold perpetrators of mass killings accountable. But following the recent violence, “two things should be clear,” said Ambassador Shea:“First, there is absolutely no place for sectarian violence. The only way Syria will stabilize is if all Syrians have a stake in the country’s future and if they collectively share power,” said Ambassador Shea.