US citizen killed in Syria, State Department says
Hosam Saraya, a Syrian American citizen of Druze descent, was murdered alongside dozens of other men being held captive by local forces in Tishreen Square, located in the center of Sweida, Syria.
'We offer condolences to the family on their loss and are providing consular assistance to them,' the State Department said in a statement to ABC News.
'We are greatly concerned when any U.S. citizen is harmed overseas, wherever they are,' the department wrote. 'The United States calls for accountability in all cases where U.S. citizens are harmed abroad.'
Officials told the outlet they were 'looking into accounts of the death of an individual reported to have been a U.S. citizen in Syria,' while family and friends of Saraya confirmed his identity to ABC.
The State Department did not immediately respond to The Hill's request for comment.
Government leaders started feuding with the Druze people — the largest ethnic group in Sweida, but are considered a minority in the country — and Sunni factions within the country last week.
Saraya recently returned home to care for his father after completing courses in Oklahoma, according to CNN Arabic.
Oklahoma lawmakers also acknowledged his death through posts online.
'Cindy and I are heartbroken by the death of Hosam Saraya. Hosam was an Oklahoman and member of the Druze community who was tragically executed alongside other members of his family in Syria,' Sen. James Lankford (R) wrote in a Monday post on social platform X.
'We are praying for his family, friends, and the entire community as they grieve this senseless loss. May God bring peace and comfort in this time of sorrow,' he added.
'We've learned that an American citizen from Oklahoma was brutally executed alongside his family members in Syria,' Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R) wrote on X.
'I'm working with partners in the region to learn more, and we're in touch with @GovStitt on this devastating situation,' Mullin said. 'Our prayers are with the family at this time.'
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