The State Department announced on Tuesday that a US citizen was fatally shot by Syrian government forces, as seen in distressing footage shared online.
Hosam Saraya, an American Druze citizen residing in Syria, was killed alongside numerous other men captured by local troops in Tishleen Square, located in the center of Sweeda.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families affected by this tragedy and are offering consular assistance,” the State Department stated.
They emphasized their concern for US citizens facing harm abroad, saying, “The United States demands accountability in all incidents where Americans are harmed overseas.”
Officials mentioned they were looking further into the situation involving what appears to be a Syrian-American citizen, but Saraya’s family and friends confirmed his identity.
The State Department has not yet responded to a request for additional comments.
Government leaders have started to address issues related to the Druze community, which constitutes the largest ethnic group in Sweida but is still considered a minority in Syria.
Saraya had recently returned home to assist his father after completing a program in Oklahoma.
Senator James Lankford from Oklahoma also acknowledged his death, expressing his heartbreak in an online message. “Hosam was from Oklahoma and a member of the Druze community, tragically executed alongside family members in Syria,” he noted.
He continued, “We pray for his family and friends during this unexplainable loss and hope for peace and comfort in this difficult time.”
Representative Mark Wayne Mullin remarked, “We learned that American citizens from Oklahoma were brutally executed with their Syrian families,” and mentioned the importance of staying informed about the situation.
He added, “Our thoughts are with the family during this tragic time.”
