UPDATE: Israel has launched urgent airstrikes against Syrian government forces in the Druze-majority region of Sweida as violence escalates. This military action comes just hours after Syria’s Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra declared a ceasefire in Sweida city, where recent clashes have claimed over 116 lives, including 64 Druze.
The strikes occurred on Tuesday morning, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz stating that Israel is acting to protect the Druze community amid troop deployments by Damascus following deadly skirmishes with Bedouin tribes. “We are acting to prevent the Syrian regime from harming them,” a joint statement declared.
In a shocking turn, Israel’s military confirmed it has begun targeting military vehicles in the region. Syrian state media have also reported these airstrikes, highlighting the urgent nature of the situation. While many Druze leaders supported the Syrian military’s presence, influential figures like Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri have called for armed resistance against the government forces.
The tension in Sweida has intensified since fighting erupted over the weekend, leading to a surge in casualties. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports that the violence has resulted in 116 deaths—64 Druze fighters, including civilians, and 52 members of government forces and Bedouin tribes. The Defense Ministry has also noted 18 fatalities among its troops.
Eyewitness accounts from Sweida reveal a city gripped by fear as gunfire subsided following the ceasefire announcement. Residents expressed concerns about potential massacres reminiscent of past conflicts. One local, Amal, stated, “We fear a repeat of the coastal scenario,” referencing past atrocities in the region.
The situation is further complicated by longstanding feuds between Druze and Bedouin factions, which have now escalated into armed conflict. Government forces were deployed to separate the two sides but ended up taking control of several Druze areas. As tensions rise, a curfew has been imposed to restore order, and the defense ministry has urged residents to remain indoors.
Looking ahead, attention will focus on the potential for renewed clashes and whether the ceasefire will hold. Analysts suggest that while Israel positions itself as a protector of the Druze, it may also be using their plight as justification for military intervention in Syria.
As developments unfold, international observers will be watching closely to see how these events impact the broader geopolitical landscape in the region.
