In a dramatic escalation of violence in southern Syria, Israel has conducted airstrikes against Syrian government forces entering the city of Suweida following two days of intense sectarian clashes. These confrontations have led to a staggering death toll of at least 200 individuals, as reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). Fighting erupted between Druze militias, rooted in the local population, and Bedouin tribes, ignited by the alleged robbery and kidnapping of a Druze merchant on the highway to Damascus.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the strikes aimed at Syrian military forces were necessary to prevent potential harm to the Druze community, which holds deep connections with Druze in Israel and the Golan Heights. In response to Israeli actions, Syria's foreign ministry condemned the strikes, asserting that they resulted in civilian and military casualties. This marks the first deployment of Syrian government forces in Suweida since the conflict began, with many minority communities remaining skeptical of President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s promises for protection.
Despite a declared ceasefire announced by Syria's defense minister, local tensions surged, leading to further violence. Reports indicate that government forces are accused of committing atrocities against Druze civilians, including summary executions and vandalism of property. A resident described the situation as "catastrophic," with widespread fear prompting residents to flee amidst a curfew.
Negotiations initially led to a brief period of calm, but renewed violence quickly ensued, resulting in mounting casualties from both sides. The Israeli military has monitored the situation closely, continuing strikes on Syrian tanks to prevent their advance toward the Druze-populated areas.
As the conflict escalates, influential Druze leaders have called upon local fighters to resist government forces, highlighting the precarious balance between violence, minority rights, and external military involvement in the region.
