Israel Strikes Damascus as Clashes Rage in Sweida
Government forces and Druze factions resumed fighting in southern Sweida city Wednesday, with Syria's Defense Ministry claiming that armed groups violated Tuesday's ceasefire, forcing soldiers to return fire. Military operations continue across the Druze-majority province as the army asserts its actions strictly follow rules of engagement to protect residents and enable safe returns. Israel Expands Military Role
Meanwhile, the Israeli army confirmed striking targets near the Syrian Defense Ministry entrance, following multiple airstrikes against government convoys in southern Syria since the Sweida clashes began. Israeli forces also bolstered their presence along the border with Syria.
Defense Minister Israel Katz declared Wednesday, 'The Israeli army will continue to attack regime forces until they withdraw from the area.' Katz threatened stronger responses soon if Damascus ignores the warning, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Tuesday that Israel feels a commitment to preserve southwestern Syria as a demilitarized border zone and an obligation to protect local Druze communities.
The current violence originated in tit-for-tat attacks between local Sunni Bedouin tribes and Druze factions within Sweida. Government troops intervened but also clashed directly with Druze groups with reports now alleging that security forces committed extrajudicial killings, looting, and home burnings.
Syria's Interior Ministry reported 30 deaths by Monday. However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights estimates over 250 fatalities by Wednesday morning, including civilians and 138 soldiers/security personnel; the monitor alleges at least 21 'field executions.' Druze Caught in Conflict
Over half of the global Druze population, roughly one million people, live in Syria, with Israel considering its own Druze citizens a loyal minority, many serving in the military. Druze in Syria remain divided regarding the post-Assad government, with some seeking integration and others demanding autonomy.
Israel maintains an aggressive stance towards Syria's current rulers, citing security concerns about Islamist militants near its borders. Since Bashar Assad's ouster ending the 14-year civil war, Israel seized a UN-patrolled buffer zone and conducted hundreds of strikes inside Syria.
Short link :
Post Views: 6
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Saudi Gazette
an hour ago
- Saudi Gazette
Far-right figure Tommy Robinson arrested over alleged assault in London train station
ONDON — Far-right activist Tommy Robinson has been arrested by British police in connection with an assault at London's St Pancras railway station in late July. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was arrested on Monday evening after he disembarked a plane at Luton Airport. The arrest took place following a notification that Robinson had boarded an incoming flight from Faro in Portugal. In a statement, British Transport Police (BTP) said: "Officers from BTP have tonight (4 August) arrested a 42-year-old man from Bedfordshire in connection to an assault at St Pancras station on 28 July". "The man had been wanted for questioning after leaving the country to Tenerife in the early hours of 29 July following the incident at St Pancras." "He was arrested on suspicion of GBH (grievous bodily harm) and will now be taken to custody for questioning," the statement said. The BTP's statement did not name Robinson, but CCTV footage of the incident on 28 July showed the former leader of the far-right English Defence League walking next to a 64-year-old man lying on the ground and claiming that he had acted in self-defence. In the video, which has been widely circulated online, Robinson can be heard saying: "He's come at me bruv." The clip did not show how the man ended up on the floor. Last week, the BTP said that a man had "serious but non-life-threatening injuries" following the incident at the railway station. The man was discharged from hospital on Thursday, according to the police. Robinson is one of the most influential far-right figures in Britain, and regularly expresses Islamophobic, racist and derogatory opinions in interviews and on social media. He has a long history of criminal convictions, with his offences ranging from theft to assault, stalking and fraud. In 2024, he was sentenced to 18 months in jail for contempt of court after making false and inciteful statements online about a Syrian refugee. — Euronews
Al Arabiya
2 hours ago
- Al Arabiya
Israel's Katz says military will ‘professionally implement' Gaza policies
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that the military will 'professionally Implement' policies towards Gaza that may be set following a cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Netanyahu is leaning towards an expanded offensive and taking control of the entire enclave after 22 months of war against militant group Hamas, Israeli Channel 12 reported. Developing...
Leaders
2 hours ago
- Leaders
Canada Airlifts Humanitarian Aid to Gaza Ahead of Plans to Recognize Palestinian State
The Canadian Armed Forces airdropped humanitarian aid into Gaza on Sunday amid ongoing starvation crisis and Canada's preparedness to recognize the Palestinian State in September, according to Al Arabiya. Canada deployed a CC-130J Hercules aircraft to carry out the humanitarian operation on Sunday to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinians who are facing unthinkable conditions since the beginning of the war in October 2023. The operation comes at a crucial time as Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Defense Minister David McGuinty condemns Israeli government obstruction of humanitarian aid as a violation of international law. 'Despite the scale of need, humanitarian partners face severe challenges in delivering life-saving food and medical assistance by land due to ongoing restrictions imposed by the Israeli government,' the ministers said in a joint statement. The aid delivery follows Canada's announcement of its plans to recognize the Palestinian state at the United Nations next month. 'Canada condemns the fact that the Israeli government has allowed a catastrophe to unfold in Gaza,' Prime Minister Mark Carney said. Canada has committed over $355 million in international assistance for Palestinian civilians since the start of the war, including $99 million revealed in March 2025 and $50 million pledged in November 2024. Dozens of Gazans including children have lost their souls due to malnutrition throughout the war that started in October 2023. Since the beginning of Hamas-Israel War, the Israeli strikes have killed more than 60,332 Palestinians and wounded over 145,870, according to Gaza's Health Ministry . Related Topics: Netanyahu Mulls Full Takeover of Gaza amid Cabinet Divisions West Bank's Palestinians Protest against Gaza War Belgium Air Force Airdrops Humanitarian Aid over Gaza Short link : Post Views: 12
