On Wednesday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched airstrikes against the entrance of Syria's military headquarters located in Damascus. This operation resulted in the death of at least one individual and left 18 others injured, as reported by Syria's Ministry of Health through the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency. The timing of this high-profile strike coincides with escalating sectarian violence in the southern Syrian city of Sweida, where tensions between the Druze community, local Bedouin Sunni tribes, and the newly established Syrian government have reached a boiling point.
The Druze are a religious group that originated from a branch of Shiite Islam, with an estimated population of around 1 million scattered across Syria, Israel, and Lebanon. The majority of the Druze reside in southern Syria, where they have historically maintained a complex relationship with the central government. Following the overthrow of former President Bashar Al-Assad in December, tensions between the Druze and the interim government led by President Ahmed Al-Sharaa have intensified.
The IDF is closely monitoring the situation and the Syrian regime's actions towards Druze civilians in southern Syria. A statement from the IDF emphasized the military's readiness to respond to various scenarios in the region, indicating ongoing operations based on directives from Israeli political leaders.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concern regarding the escalating violence in Syria. In a post on X, he noted that the U.S. has engaged with all involved parties to agree on specific actions aimed at resolving the crisis. Rubio emphasized the importance of fulfilling commitments made by all sides to restore peace and stability.
The recent Israeli strikes are seen as a significant intervention in the internal conflict between the Syrian government and the Druze community, who have faced increased violence in the wake of the regime's attempts to reassert order following its recent establishment. The conflict erupted last week when the government attempted to regain control amidst deadly clashes in Sweida.
Since the fall of the Assad regime, the Druze have encountered strained relations with the new government, and there are concerns regarding the Syrian military's presence in the region. Israel has made it clear that they will not tolerate any Syrian military actions in the Druze areas, prompting retaliatory strikes against Syrian forces attempting to enforce a curfew.
On Wednesday, Israel escalated its military operations by heavily bombarding Syria’s Ministry of Defense and targeting areas near the presidential palace, signaling a strong warning to the Syrian government regarding its military movements in Druze territories. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated, "The warnings in Damascus have ended -- now painful blows will come," reinforcing Israel’s commitment to protect the Druze community.
As tensions mount, hundreds of Druze individuals from Israeli-held territories have crossed border fences to participate in protests in Syria, further complicating the situation. The ongoing violence raises significant concerns about the stability of the region and the potential for further ethnic conflicts.
In a bid to de-escalate the situation, a Druze leader announced a ceasefire agreement with the Syrian government, which includes halting military operations in Sweida and integrating the region fully into Syria. However, the sustainability of this ceasefire remains uncertain, as previous agreements have quickly collapsed, and other Druze leaders have rejected the terms.
Recent reports indicate that more than 250 individuals have lost their lives in Sweida province since violence erupted, with casualties including victims of field executions by local groups. Despite announcements of ceasefire agreements, clashes between Syrian government forces and Druze militias have persisted.
As sectarian violence continues, the IDF has ramped up its military operations against Syrian government forces. The IDF's primary objectives are to prevent threats from developing along the border in southern Syria and to protect the Druze community from potential massacres. An Israeli military official confirmed that additional troops are being deployed to the occupied Golan Heights to ensure the security of Israeli civilians.
In response to the rising tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Druze citizens not to cross into Syria, warning them of the dangers involved and emphasizing the importance of allowing the IDF to carry out its operations effectively.
The ongoing violence in southern Syria underscores the fragile state of the region following the fall of the Assad regime. With sectarian tensions threatening to escalate further, the situation remains precarious as both local and international stakeholders seek to navigate the complexities of the conflict. The IDF's continued military presence and operations signal Israel's commitment to safeguarding its interests while addressing the humanitarian concerns of the Druze community.
