Israeli strikes targeted areas near Sweida, a Druze-majority city, following the withdrawal of Syrian government forces after clashes with local fighters. These strikes occurred amidst escalating violence, with reports of civilian casualties and humanitarian concerns. Israel asserts its actions aim to protect the Druze minority and prevent hostile forces from establishing a presence near the Golan Heights.
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Syrian state media reported Israeli strikes near the Syrian Druze-majority city of Sweida on Thursday, the first attack on the area after Syrian government forces withdrew following clashes with local fighters.”Israeli occupation aircraft carried out a raid on the outskirts of Sweida city,” said Syria’s state-run SANA, according to news agency AFP.Syrian forces had withdrawn from Sweida earlier on Thursday after deadly clashes with Druze fighters accompanied by Israeli strikes and diplomatic pressure to retreat from the area.The reported strikes come a day after Israel launched rare airstrikes deep into Damascus, targeting Syria’s military headquarters and a site near the presidential palace.Israeli officials said the strikes were aimed at protecting Syria’s Druze minority amid escalating violence in southern Syria.What’s happening in Sweida?Clashes erupted in the majority-Druze city of Sweida earlier this week between Druze armed groups and Syrian government forces. Witnesses claimed that Syrian troops, instead of enforcing a ceasefire, sided with Bedouin tribes against Druze fighters and civilians.The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported over 300 deaths in Sweida province since Sunday, including 27 Druze civilians allegedly executed by Syrian forces.
However, sporadic gunfire continued, raising doubts over the truce’s effectiveness. Humanitarian concerns rise Eyewitness accounts from Druze civilians described fears for family members trapped in Sweida. Communication blackouts made it difficult to confirm the safety of residents, with reports of burned homes and executions.Druze leaders labeled the conflict as an “existential battle” for their community. Internationally, the United States, France, and the European Union condemned the violence. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed “deep concern” over reports of civilian attacks.Background: Sectarian tensions and Israel’s roleThe Druze, a religious minority with a population of about one million globally, are mainly based in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel.
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