Saudi Arabia slams Israel, welcomes Syrian govt response to Sweida clashes
'The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia … expresses its satisfaction with the measures taken by the Syrian government to achieve security and stability, maintain civil peace, and ensure the sovereignty of the state and its institutions over the entirety of Syrian territory, in a manner that preserves Syria's unity and security and fulfills the aspirations of the Syrian people,' a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry read.
'The Kingdom also condemns the blatant Israeli attacks on Syrian territory, interference in its internal affairs, and destabilization of its security and stability,' the Foreign Ministry said.
Riyadh renewed its call to the international community to stand by Syria, 'support it at this stage, and confront these ongoing Israeli attacks and violations against Syria.'
Syrian forces entered Sweida in recent days following deadly clashes between the Druze minority and Bedouin tribal fighters. Israeli forces then struck the Syrian security personnel, claiming to protect the Druze minority.
Damascus vowed to exert its control over the Sweida area, which erupted into violence after Druze were targeted over the weekend, including the kidnapping of one Druze merchant. Videos showed Druze religious leaders and residents being harassed and attacked.
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