Security instability in southern Syria has escalated in recent weeks. As-Suwayda province has seen protests, armed clashes, and mounting friction between local groups and forces loyal to the Syrian regime. These events have led to casualties and deepened distrust between residents and the central government.

On Friday, US envoy Tom Barrack said officials from both countries spoke about de-escalating the situation in Syria during the talks on Thursday. Syrian and Israeli officials agreed to meet again after no final accord was reached in US-mediated talks in Paris on de-escalating the conflict in southern Syria,

Syrian diplomatic source describes talks as 'honest and responsible'; next meeting expected to take place in Baku