Tensions have soared in Syria after Israel launched airstrikes on Damascus, targeting the Syrian Ministry of Defense and military positions in the south. Meanwhile, sectarian clashes in Suwayda Governorate have entered their fourth consecutive day, resulting in heavy casualties.
🟦 Israel’s Justification for the Airstrikes
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the attacks aimed to protect the Druze minority in Syria, calling them “our Druze brothers,” while vowing to dismantle hostile militias. In response, the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the strikes as “aggressive and treacherous.”
🟦 Ongoing Sectarian Clashes in Suwayda
Deadly fighting between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes has claimed over 300 lives since Sunday, with the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights warning of worsening conditions. 
🟦 U.S. Responds with Diplomatic Pressure
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concern about the escalating violence, indicating Washington had agreed on “concrete steps” to de-escalate the conflict. The Syrian government welcomed mediation efforts from the U.S. and Arab nations, though Israel has not commented on any ceasefire proposals.
🟦 Syrian Troops Withdraw Following Agreement
According to SANA, Syrian forces began withdrawing from Suwayda after reaching a deal with local Druze leaders. This marked the first significant military deployment to Suwayda since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad last December by Sunni insurgents.
🟦 Rising Fears Among Syria’s Minorities
Despite pledges from interim President Ahmad Shara to protect minorities, the Druze community remains distrustful of the transitional government. Multiple deadly incidents, including clashes in Damascus and Suwayda earlier this year, have heightened their fears.
🟦 Israeli Defense Ministry Vows to Continue Operations
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz affirmed that Israeli operations would continue until hostile groups are eradicated. Videos from Israeli strikes showed chaos in Damascus, including attacks near Umayyad Square.
🟦 Dire Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds
Reports from Suwayda described hospitals under attack, severe shortages of medical supplies, and hundreds of casualties. Eyewitnesses reported indiscriminate sniper fire and artillery shelling, leaving civilians trapped without adequate aid.
🟦 Root Causes of the Conflict
The latest wave of violence began after the kidnapping of a Druze merchant, sparking retaliatory attacks between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes. The Syrian government deployed troops to intervene, citing escalating threats to public order.
🟦 Israel’s Strategic Goals in Syria
Israel has conducted numerous strikes in southern Syria, particularly targeting Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a former al-Qaeda affiliate, to prevent hostile elements from gaining influence near its borders. The conflict remains volatile, with regional stability hanging in the balance.
