SWEIDA, Syria — The United States warned Saturday that renewed violence in Syria’s southern province of Sweida risked pushing the region back toward the bloodshed that devastated it last year, as Washington called on rival factions to return to a political roadmap designed to restore state authority while preserving the rights of the province’s Druze population. Tom Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria, said Washington was “dismayed” by the latest escalation and urged all sides to exercise restraint and resume dialogue.

Prince Harry has arrived in the United Kingdom without his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children, Archie and Lilibet, following unresolved tensions with Buckingham Palace over security arrangements and lodging. The Duke of Sussex's solo trip highlights ongoing disputes regarding taxpayer-funded protection for his family, which were denied by the Home Office. Harry had initially planned to bring his family to London to spend time with King Charles, but the lack of secure accommodations forced him to travel alone. The palace withdrew an earlier offer to host him, citing insufficient advance notice for staffing and security. Harry is now expected to stay at private accommodations, though details remain undisclosed. His schedule includes meetings for the 2027 Invictus Games and visits to Birmingham Children's Hospital. While Meghan and the children remain in the U.S., there is still uncertainty about potential future family reunions during his UK visit. The situation reflects recurring conflicts between Harry's team and Buckingham Palace over logistical planning for his visits since stepping back from royal duties in 2020.