As sectarian violence erupts in Suweida, Israel conducts airstrikes against Syrian positions, leading to a humanitarian crisis. The US pushes for a ceasefire as Syrian forces reportedly begin to withdraw, amidst increased casualties and chaos in the region.
US and Allies Outline Plan to Curb Violence Amid Ongoing Israeli Airstrikes in Syria
US and Allies Outline Plan to Curb Violence Amid Ongoing Israeli Airstrikes in Syria
In the wake of escalating violence in Syria's Suweida province, the US has announced an agreement on specific steps to de-escalate tensions following Israeli military strikes in Damascus.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the United States has agreed on "specific steps" aimed at alleviating the violence in Syria, particularly after a series of Israeli strikes targeting military and government sites in Damascus. These airstrikes, which have continued for three days, are part of a broader regional conflict that has seen heavy sectarian fighting in the province of Suweida, resulting in over 350 fatalities since the violence erupted.
The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, framed their military operations as efforts to protect their "Druze brothers" during the clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes. Interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa condemned the Israeli actions as a substantial escalation, as Israeli forces targeted government institutions as well as armed groups within the region.
Late on Wednesday, reports indicated that the Syrian military began to pull back its forces from Suweida in response to an agreement purportedly reached with local religious leaders. This accord, celebrated by the Syrian foreign ministry, is seen as a means to restore order amidst the chaos spurred by militias fighting for control.
Netanyahu's administration has articulated its commitment to safeguard the Druze, whose communities span both sides of the Syrian-Israeli border. As distressing images during the airstrikes emerged, depicting chaos and fear among civilians, local accounts highlighted the humanitarian plight in Suweida, where hospitals and water supplies faced dire shortages, prompting a rapid deterioration in living conditions.
The ongoing clashes in Suweida were reportedly triggered by the abduction of a Druze businessman, escalating into a broader sectarian conflict that has alarmed both the US and regional allies. Calls for peace and stability are underscored by the presence of different factions intensifying the violence, while Israel emphasizes the urgency for a complete withdrawal of Syrian forces from the area.
The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts underway to mitigate further bloodshed, as the international community watches closely for the potential fallout of these developments in a region already strained by years of conflict.
