US condemns violence in Syria's south, official says

ISTANBUL, July 17 (Reuters) - The United States unequivocally condemns the violence in Syria's predominantly Druze city of Sweida in recent days and Damascus must investigate all reports of abuse and hold people accountable, a U.S. State Department official said on Thursday.

The official told Reuters there was no change in U.S. policy toward Syria, where in the south scores of people have been killed in days of conflict pitting Druze fighters against government troops and Bedouin tribes.

"All parties must step back and engage in meaningful dialogue that leads to a lasting ceasefire," the official said, requesting anonymity.

"The government must investigate all reports of abuse and hold the perpetrators accountable," the person added.