Syria's Druze Reach Ceasefire with Government Following Israeli Strikes
The attacks targeted the Defence Ministry and areas near the presidential palace, following Israeli warnings to the Syrian government to withdraw from the Southern region of the country.
The Damascus strikes targeted Syrian army headquarters as Israel escalated its campaign against Syrian forces in the southern city of Sweida, where fighting has erupted between Druze communities and Syrian security forces.
Israel has threatened to increase attacks unless Syrian government forces withdraw from the south, marking a significant expansion of military operations beyond Gaza.
Ceasefire reached between Druze and Syrian government
Druze religious leader Sheikh Yousef Jarbou said on Wednesday that they have reached a ceasefire agreement with the Syrian government, with it taking immediate effect.
Earlier on Tuesday, a previous ceasefire failed after only a few hours, as the Syrian government was still firing in the city of Sweida after the announcement was made.
Clashes broke out over the weekend between Druze forces and Bedouin tribes, prompting the Syrian military to enter Sweidaa, a stronghold for the Druze community in the country's south, on Tuesday.
A joint group of Islamist forces and Syrian military intervened in the clashes, reportedly raising concerns over minority targeting in Syria. Key Druce community figures called for international protection.
Vowing to protect the Druze community in Syria, Israel launched strikes against Syrian government forces.
The Syrian foreign ministry issued a statement condemning Israel's attack, describing it as 'a blatant violation of the sovereignty of the Syrian Arab Republic' and 'a reprehensible example of ongoing aggression and foreign interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states.'
Tom Barrack, US envoy, said in a post on X: 'The recent skirmishes in Suwayda are worrisome on all sides, and we are attempting to come to a peaceful, inclusive outcome for Druze, Bedouin tribes, the Syrian government, and Israeli forces.'
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