US Citizen Killed Amid Sectarian Clashes Syria’s Suwayda

Hosam Saraya, a 35-year-old Druze man and American citizen, was confirmed killed amid unrest in the southern Syrian city of Suwayda, where clashes erupted between Druze and Bedouin groups. Videos circulating online appear to show Saraya and several male relatives being executed by uniformed men, with the incident occurring in Tishreen Square. The U.S. State Department has acknowledged the death and is providing consular assistance to the family while calling for accountability in cases of harm to U.S. citizens abroad. Saraya had acquired U.S. citizenship about five years ago while living in Oklahoma and had earned a master's degree from Oklahoma Christian University. The family criticized the U.S. Embassy's limited response when they sought help following the abduction of Saraya and others by Syrian government forces. The broader context includes ongoing violence in Suwayda that has displaced over 128,500 people, with international efforts such as a ceasefire announced by U.S. envoy Tom Barrack aiming to reduce the conflict.