Israel Strikes Syrian Forces in Suweida Amid Escalating Sectarian Clashes

Israeli forces have launched airstrikes against Syrian government troops around Suweida as they entered the predominantly Druze city, following two days of deadly sectarian clashes. The Syrian defence minister announced a ceasefire earlier today, Tuesday, stating an agreement had been reached with local dignitaries for security forces to deploy.

However, the situation remains volatile, with one Druze spiritual leader urging local fighters to resist the government’s deployment. Approximately 100 people have reportedly been killed since fighting erupted on Sunday between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed he ordered the strikes on forces and weapons in the Suweida area, citing the government’s intent to use them “against the Druze.” Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s commitment to protecting the Druze in Syria due to their strong ties with those in Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

This marks a significant development as it’s the first deployment of Syrian government forces to Suweida since Islamist-led rebels overthrew President Bashar al-Assad in December. The province has largely remained under the control of Druze militias, who have resisted joining the new interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s security forces, despite his pledges to protect minority communities.

The recent violence was reportedly sparked last Friday by the robbery and abduction of a Druze merchant on the highway to Damascus. The clashes escalated rapidly, spreading across Suweida province, leading to the intervention announcement by Syria’s interior ministry and earlier Israeli military strikes on government tanks, described by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz as a “clear warning to the Syrian regime.”

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