In a dramatic escalation of conflict, Israel has launched airstrikes on Syrian government forces that were advancing into the Druze-majority city of Suweida amidst ongoing sectarian violence.
Israel Strikes Syrian Forces Entering Druze City Amid Sectarian Violence
Israel Strikes Syrian Forces Entering Druze City Amid Sectarian Violence
Israeli airstrikes target Syrian government troops in Suweida after a ceasefire announcement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the targeted strikes were executed to protect Druze residents—an ethnic and religious group with historical and cultural ties to Israel—after two days of fierce clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes resulted in approximately 100 fatalities. The violence erupted over the weekend, prompting fear among local Druze leaders.
On Tuesday morning, Syria's defense minister declared a ceasefire, stating that an agreed-upon deployment of government security forces would take place with the backing of local dignitaries. Despite this, a prominent Druze spiritual leader called for continued resistance against the regime.
Interestingly, this marked the first instance of Syrian government troops being dispatched to Suweida since Islamist rebels overthrew President Bashar al-Assad in late 2011. Historically, the Druze community has held control over this region and has been cautious of the government’s intentions, remaining largely independent from its military forces.
As the situation develops, tensions remain high, and the local Druze population continues to brace for further conflict amid uncertainty about their future security under the renewed presence of Syrian government forces.
On Tuesday morning, Syria's defense minister declared a ceasefire, stating that an agreed-upon deployment of government security forces would take place with the backing of local dignitaries. Despite this, a prominent Druze spiritual leader called for continued resistance against the regime.
Interestingly, this marked the first instance of Syrian government troops being dispatched to Suweida since Islamist rebels overthrew President Bashar al-Assad in late 2011. Historically, the Druze community has held control over this region and has been cautious of the government’s intentions, remaining largely independent from its military forces.
As the situation develops, tensions remain high, and the local Druze population continues to brace for further conflict amid uncertainty about their future security under the renewed presence of Syrian government forces.
