DAMASCUS — Syrian and Israeli officials met for US-mediated security discussions on Monday, aimed at cementing a fragile ceasefire in the southern province of Sweida following days of deadly sectarian clashes and Israeli air raids. The talks were confirmed by the US State Department.

The negotiations followed violence between Druze fighters and Bedouin tribal groups in Sweida that killed hundreds and drew intervention from government forces. Israel launched strikes on Syrian military targets, including near Damascus, saying it was acting to protect the Druze minority. A ceasefire was announced last week under American and Arab mediation.

US envoy Tom Barrack has led efforts to broker a wider arrangement between Damascus and Jerusalem. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's transitional government has sought to consolidate control over the country's south while avoiding a broader confrontation with Israel.

The outcome carries weight for Syria's post-Assad transition and for regional stability. Jordan and Turkey have both pressed for calm, and the United Nations has warned that renewed fighting could displace tens of thousands more civilians in the border region.

A US State Department spokesperson said Washington remained committed to supporting a unified Syria and preventing further escalation, urging all parties to respect the ceasefire and protect minority communities.