Israel launched airstrikes on Syria’s defence ministry in Damascus and against government forces in southern Syria, citing the need to protect the Druze population in Suweida province. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces were acting to support “our Druze brothers” and to eliminate regime-affiliated groups.
The attacks came amid intensifying sectarian violence between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes, which has left over 300 people dead since Sunday.
The Syrian foreign ministry condemned Israel’s actions as “treacherous aggression,” while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concern and optimism, stating that a ceasefire could be reached within hours. Syria acknowledged diplomatic efforts from the U.S. and Arab states aimed at resolving the crisis peacefully. Despite this, Israel has not formally commented on ceasefire negotiations.
Syrian Army Withdraws as Israel Targets Forces, Druze Mistrust Government Amid Conflict
Syrian state media reported that the national army began withdrawing from Suweida following an agreement with local Druze leaders. This came after the military reportedly completed its operations against what it described as “outlaw groups.” Israeli forces, meanwhile, expanded their attacks, striking security installations, armored vehicles, and weapon depots believed to be en route to Suweida.
The Druze, a minority group with unique religious practices, have long distrusted the current interim government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, especially after repeated incidents of sectarian violence. Following earlier clashes in May, the government had agreed to recruit local Druze fighters into regional security roles. Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s commitment to defending the Druze due to close ties with Druze communities in Israel and the Golan Heights.
Mounting Civilian Casualties and Chaos as Suweida Faces Escalating Sectarian Violence and Shortages
The humanitarian situation in Suweida has deteriorated rapidly, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). Reports described intense fighting near hospitals, shortages of medical supplies, and indiscriminate sniper fire. Government forces reportedly found dozens of bodies in Suweida’s national hospital. Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of chaos, fear, and civilian casualties from both artillery and sniper fire.
The conflict reportedly began after a Druze merchant was abducted near Damascus, leading to retaliation by Druze militias. Armed fighters soon captured Bedouin neighborhoods, prompting further escalation. According to SOHR, the death toll includes 69 Druze fighters, 40 civilians (27 allegedly executed by government forces), 165 government troops, 18 Bedouin fighters, and 10 Syrian soldiers killed in Israeli strikes. The BBC could not independently verify these figures.
