Israel has launched airstrikes targeting Syrian government forces near the southern city of Suwayda, and in the area of Damascus, citing the protection of the local Druze community as the reason for its military action. The strikes come after days of deadly sectarian violence between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes, which have already claimed over 200 lives.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the strikes, stating that Syrian forces and weapons in the Suwayda area were targeted to prevent them from being used against the Druze population. This marks a significant escalation in the region, as it is the first time Syrian government troops have entered Suwayda since Islamist-led rebel groups overthrew President Bashar al-Assad in December.
In response, the Syrian government condemned Israel’s involvement, claiming that both military personnel and civilians were killed in the attacks. Syria’s Foreign Ministry accused Israel of full responsibility for the latest escalation and warned of its consequences.
Posting on X, the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) gave an operation update in regards to Syria: “The IDF struck the entrance of the Syrian regime’s military headquarters in the area of Damascus in Syria. The IDF continues to monitor developments and the regime’s actions against Druze civilians in southern Syria. In accordance with directives from the political echelon, the IDF is striking in the area and remains prepared for various scenarios.” – @IDF on X
Druze Concerns and Regional Tensions
The Suwayda province, predominantly inhabited by the Druze—a religious minority with a distinct identity rooted in Shia Islam—had largely remained under the control of Druze militias until now. Despite assurances from interim President Ahmed al-Saraa to protect minority groups, the Druze have remained wary of his administration.
Netanyahu emphasized his country’s commitment to safeguarding the Druze in Syria due to strong ties with the Druze community in Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
United States Calls for Restraint
According to a report by the U.S. outlet Axios, the Trump administration has urged Israel to halt its military actions in Syria. Israel has reportedly agreed to suspend its strikes by Tuesday evening.
Meanwhile, the Syrian Defense Minister announced a ceasefire in Suwayda, stating that an agreement had been reached with local leaders to deploy government security forces in the area. However, a prominent Druze spiritual leader has called on local fighters to resist the government’s reentry.
Reports of Executions and Rising Casualties
Following the Syrian army’s deployment, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) accused the military and its allies of executing at least 19 Druze civilians without trial, including 12 people killed inside a family guesthouse.
As of Tuesday, SOHR reported a total of 203 fatalities since fighting erupted on Sunday. This includes 92 Druze—21 of whom were civilians reportedly executed by forces affiliated with Syria’s Defense and Interior Ministries—93 pro-government fighters, and 18 Bedouins.
