Daijiworld Media Network - Damascus

Damascus, Jul 16: Israeli forces launched air strikes on Suwayda in southern Syria on Tuesday, hours after the Syrian government announced a ceasefire to halt ongoing clashes in the predominantly Druze city.

Syria’s Ministry of Interior accused Israel of backing armed groups attacking government forces, calling the air strikes a violation of international law. The escalation followed renewed fighting between Druze fighters and Syrian government troops, despite a truce earlier declared by Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra.

Influential Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri blamed Syrian forces for breaking the ceasefire, urging local fighters to defend themselves. In response, Israel launched what it called a protective operation for the Druze community, which it views as a potential regional ally.

“We cannot stand idly by,” said Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli. “We see massacres and insults against the Druze. It is a grave mistake to recognize President Ahmed al-Sharaa as Syria’s legitimate leader.”

Over 30 people have reportedly been killed and more than 100 injured in Suwayda since Sunday amid fierce clashes between Druze fighters and rival Bedouin factions. The two communities have a history of tension in the region, with violence erupting periodically.
US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack said Washington was engaging with all sides to restore calm and promote stability.

Al Jazeera reported from Damascus that the Israeli strikes included both drones and fighter jets, claiming to support the Druze amid what is described as a “barbaric” assault by the Syrian army.

Suwayda, home to Syria’s largest Druze population, has seen repeated unrest, especially since the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad in December. The Druze, numbering about 700,000 in Syria, now fear for their safety amid the changing political dynamics and repeated outbreaks of sectarian violence.

The current fighting follows deadly clashes earlier this year between Druze community members and security forces, which left dozens dead.

Since December 2024, Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in Syria — roughly one every three to four days — alongside ongoing military operations in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Iran, and Yemen.

In Gaza alone, Israeli military action has killed over 58,000 Palestinians since October 2023, intensifying regional tensions and drawing widespread condemnation.