President Ahmed al-Shara of Syria has made a stern rebuke of Israel following airstrikes that struck the capital, Damascus, and targeted key government sites. These strikes came in the wake of a surge in violence in the southern province of Sweida, which is primarily inhabited by the Druse religious minority. On Wednesday, al-Shara accused Israel of trying to create "chaos" in Syria, adding that these actions risked further escalating sectarian tensions amidst ongoing clashes between Syrian government forces and local Bedouin tribes.
The clashes in Sweida began on Sunday, leading to significant military unrest, prompting the Syrian government to deploy troops in an attempt to restore order. However, trust issues between local Druse militias and the government exacerbated the situation, causing fears of a broader conflict. In an attempt to protect their interests, Israel launched airstrikes against government forces in response to the violence. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of intensified military action unless the Syrian government withdrew its troops from Sweida.
Reports indicate that over 350 lives have been lost since the violence was ignited, including both combatants and civilians. Fortunately, there was a glimpse of calm by early Thursday, and the U.S., alongside various Arab and Turkish allies, reportedly played a crucial role in negotiating a cease-fire. Moving forward, al-Shara indicated that local elders would assume responsibility for security in Sweida to stabilize the region.
