US Citizen Killed in Syria Amid Druze-Bedouin Violence

The U.S. State Department has confirmed the death of Hosam Saraya, a U.S. citizen of Druze descent, who was executed alongside dozens of relatives by Syrian government forces in Sweida, Syria amid ongoing sectarian violence. Videos surfaced showing Saraya and other men kneeling unarmed in Tishreen Square before being shot at close range, highlighting the brutal conflict between Druze groups and Sunni Bedouin factions. Saraya, an Oklahoma resident and graduate of Oklahoma Christian University and Damascus University, had recently returned to Syria to care for his father and founded a virtual school for Syrian children. U.S. officials are providing consular assistance to Saraya's family and have called for accountability in cases where U.S. citizens are harmed abroad. The killings occurred just days before a ceasefire agreement was brokered between Syria and Israel to ease escalating tensions in the region. Oklahoma lawmakers expressed sorrow and emphasized prayers for Saraya's family and the Druze community during this difficult time.