Israel strikes Syrian city, vows to protect Druze from government forces

 

Israel has launched a second wave of military strikes against Syrian government forces in southwestern Syria, citing a need to protect the Druze minority in the city of Sweida and enforce a demilitarization agreement near its border. This follows days of deadly clashes in the region, including a fresh round of fighting between Druze groups and Bedouin fighters. A Reuters reporter in Sweida heard multiple explosions, saw drones overhead, and witnessed the aftermath, including looted and burning shops and at least three bodies on the streets.

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The violence has killed dozens and displaced thousands, raising alarm about further escalation. Israel’s leadership, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, claimed that Syrian troops and weaponry posed a direct threat to both the Druze population and Israel’s border security. They emphasized a long-standing bond with the Druze community, calling it a “deep brotherhood alliance,” and pledged to prevent harm to Druze civilians.

Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who came to power after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December, faces growing challenges in asserting authority over the region. While relations with the U.S. under President Trump have improved, deep-rooted sectarian divisions and widespread distrust remain, particularly due to the recent mass killing of Alawites. Influential Druze cleric Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri accused Syrian forces of violating ceasefire terms and called for resistance. In contrast, Syria’s Defence Minister claimed a ceasefire was still in place, stating that military police had been deployed to hold undisciplined units accountable. But reports from the ground show Syrian troops entering Sweida and continuing to attack.

The situation reflects both the fragility of Syria’s internal order and the growing regional implications as Israel asserts itself militarily to protect minorities and secure its borders.

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The latest escalation in Sweida highlights Syria’s deepening instability, especially in areas along the Israeli frontier. What began on Sunday as violent clashes between Druze fighters and Bedouin groups quickly expanded into a broader conflict involving the Syrian military, prompting Israeli intervention. Israel has now conducted two consecutive days of airstrikes targeting regime forces and heavy weaponry moving toward Sweida, with officials citing the need to prevent violations of the demilitarized zone agreement with Damascus.

In a video statement, Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri condemned the Syrian army’s actions, accusing them of breaching a ceasefire and launching a “total war of extermination” against the Druze. He urged locals to resist the Syrian military "by all means." This statement directly contradicted earlier calls for cooperation by other Druze leaders, who had asked armed groups to surrender their weapons in hopes of ending the bloodshed.

Despite an official ceasefire declaration by Syria's Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and a pledge to deploy military police to maintain discipline, fighting has continued. Reuters journalists reported seeing Syrian forces looting and burning property, adding to civilian fear and mistrust. Tanks and military vehicles were seen moving into the city even as gunfire echoed through the streets.

The interim government under Ahmed al-Sharaa is facing a legitimacy crisis. Although backed by improving ties with Washington, his administration is viewed with skepticism by minority groups due to Islamist elements in his coalition and previous massacres involving Alawites. The Druze, a religious minority with communities in Israel, Syria, and Lebanon, remain central to this conflict, especially given Israel’s historical and political ties with its own Druze citizens.

As the humanitarian situation worsens, Sweida stands as a flashpoint for regional tensions, sectarian divisions, and international involvement in Syria’s lingering crisis.

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