Israel Attacks Syria: A series of intense Israeli airstrikes hit Damascus on Wednesday, escalating tensions in the region as Druze militias clashed with Syrian government forces. The strikes, which reportedly killed three people and injured 34, are part of Israel’s stated campaign to support the Druze minority amid rising violence in southern Syria.
Israeli Strikes Target Defense Ministry, Presidential Area
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed strikes on Syria’s Ministry of Defense and areas near the Presidential Palace in Damascus. A live TV broadcast from Syria captured the moment of impact, with anchors taking cover mid-broadcast.
“The painful blows have begun,” said Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, sharing footage of the strike.
The IDF stated the operation is intended to protect the Druze population, which has faced violent confrontations with pro-government Sunni militias.
Ceasefire Claims Disputed
The Syrian government announced a new ceasefire agreement with Druze leaders, promising to halt military operations and form a monitoring committee. However, Hikmat Al Hijri, a prominent Druze spiritual leader, rejected the truce, urging followers to continue resisting government forces.
Another Druze figure, Youssef Jarbou, confirmed an agreement for an “immediate cessation of military activity”, with Syrian troops ordered to retreat to their barracks. Previous ceasefires, however, collapsed within hours.
Dire Conditions in Suwayda
Clashes have devastated the city of Suwayda, home to a large Druze population. Residents report electricity outages, poor mobile connectivity, water shortages, and lack of internet.
“The situation is dire,” said local resident Fadi Hamdan, blaming the Syrian interim government for the chaos.
Israel’s Strategic Intentions
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar emphasized that the strikes are aimed at maintaining the status quo in southern Syria and preventing hostile forces from establishing a foothold near the Israeli border. Israel has referred to the new Syrian regime as an “extremist Islamic government.”
US Expresses Concern
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced serious concern over the escalating violence and said Washington is engaged in talks with all relevant parties in hopes of easing tensions.
Druze Mobilization From Golan Heights
Videos surfaced showing Druze individuals crossing from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights into Syria, reportedly to support fellow Druze fighters. Israeli PM Netanyahu urged Israeli Druze not to cross the border, saying:
“You are citizens of Israel. Do not cross the border.”
Background on the Druze
The Druze are a religious Arab minority group concentrated in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, practicing an offshoot of Islam. In Syria, they are mainly located in Suwayda province and surrounding areas. Their religion prohibits conversion and intermarriage, and they are governed by multiple local leaders.
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