In a dramatic escalation, Israel has launched airstrikes on Syrian government forces entering Suweida, the predominantly Druze city, following violent sectarian clashes that erupted over the weekend. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that over 200 people have died due to the conflict, which has sparked fears of broader unrest.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered strikes on Syrian military assets, asserting that the Syrian government posed a direct threat to the Druze community. This is the first deployment of Syrian government troops to the region since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad in 2011, raising concerns among the minority Druze, who have historically felt vulnerable under central authority. The US government has reportedly urged Israel to halt its military actions, fueling diplomatic tensions.
Earlier in the day, Syria announced a ceasefire agreement, yet clashes have resumed with allegations of attacks on civilians, including accusations of vandalism and summary executions conducted by government forces. A Suweida resident described the situation as "catastrophic," with fears prompting many to flee their homes.
The tensions ignited when a Druze merchant was abducted on a major highway, leading to retaliatory violence. While Druze leaders initially welcomed Syrian troop presence as a means to restore order, influential spiritual leaders have since urged armed resistance against government forces.
As protests against government intervention grow, the complex dynamics in Suweida reflect broader conflicts within Syria, revealing how ancient sectarian divides continue to shape modern turmoil.
