Following two days of violent clashes in Suweida between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes, Israel has launched airstrikes on Syrian government forces moving into the city. While a ceasefire was announced, the situation remains volatile, with reports of civilian casualties and alleged abuses by Syrian troops.
Escalating Tensions: Israel Strikes Syrian Forces Amid Sectarian Violence in Suweida
Escalating Tensions: Israel Strikes Syrian Forces Amid Sectarian Violence in Suweida
Israel conducts airstrikes on Syrian government forces entering the Druze-majority city of Suweida, intensifying regional sectarian conflicts following deadly clashes.
Israel has intensified its military operations against Syrian government forces entering the predominantly Druze city of Suweida, responding to ongoing sectarian clashes that have left over 200 dead. The fighting erupted between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes, ignited by the recent kidnapping and robbery of a Druze merchant.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that airstrikes were carried out to prevent the Syrian government from using weaponry against the Druze community, emphasizing Israel's commitment to safeguarding their safety. This intervention marks a significant moment, as it is the first deployment of Syrian government soldiers in Suweida since the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad.
Amid the chaos, Syria's foreign ministry condemned Israel's strikes, claiming they resulted in civilian and military casualties. In response to the escalating violence, the U.S. government has requested Israel to refrain from further strikes, with reports suggesting Israel agreed to pause military actions.
The situation in Suweida remains dire as local residents describe conditions as "catastrophic," with indiscriminate shooting prompting many to seek refuge in the countryside. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported extrajudicial killings of Druze civilians by government forces and instances of looting and destruction of property.
Despite an announced ceasefire and efforts by Syrian defense officials to establish order, fighting resumed with reports of artillery attacks on various villages, reigniting fears of a broader outbreak of unrest. Influential Druze leaders have called for resistance against the Syrian military's incursion, raising concerns over the stability of minority groups in the region.
Israel's recent airstrikes are positioned as a warning to the Syrian regime, with Netanyahu firmly indicating that any threat to the Druze community would not be tolerated. As the conflict intensifies, the potential for wider regional implications looms, underscoring the fragility of the current geopolitical landscape.
