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First Post
2 hours ago
- Politics
- First Post
248 dead in Syria clashes: Israel strikes army HQ & warns Damascus to ‘leave the Druze in Sweida alone'
After pro-regime fighters killed dozens of minority Druze community members in southern Sweida province, Israel warned Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa to leave the community alone. Israel also struck the Syrian army headquarters in a warning to the regime to stop the violence. read more A member of Syrian security forces looks at burnt vehicles amid ongoing clashes in the southern city of Sweida on July 16, 2025. Syrian regime of Ahmed al-Sharaa deployed troops in the predominantly Druze province of Sweida after clashes between Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes killed scores of people. (Photo: Bakr ALkasem/ AFP) Following days of strikes in southern Syria amid sectarian violence, Israel on Wednesday struck the Syrian army headquarters in Damascus. The Israeli strike followed warnings to Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa to 'leave the Druze alone'. In recent weeks, pro-regime fighters have repeatedly clashed with the Druze people and dozens of people from the minority community have been killed. At least 248 people, including at least 92 Druze community members, have been killed in clashes in southern Syria's Sweida province in recent weeks, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). The violence has continued even as Syrian military has been deployed in the area to contain the violence. However, the SOHR said that at least 21 Druze community members were executed by the military itself. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The latest round of fighting erupted after Druze fighters and Sunni Bedouin tribes clashed after an abduction of a Druze merchant. The SOHR, witnesses, and Druze community members have said that the Syrian military has intervened in these clashes on the side of Bedouins and against the Druze community, according to AFP. This is the latest round of sectarian violence under Al-Sharaa' regime. Previously, pro-regime groups had massacred more than 1,000 minority Shia Alawites. The Druze are a distinct religious group that is a minority in Syria. The Druze people trace their origins to the present-day Lebanon, Syria, and northern Israel in the historic Levant region of West Asia. Israel ramps up strikes after warnings over Druze attacks Amid reports that the Syrian military joined pro-regime fighters in attacks on Druze people and went on a rampage against them in the Sweida province, Israel said it bombed the Syrian army headquarters in Damascus. Israel has committed itself to their protection in Syria and has said it may 'raise the level of responses against the (Syrian) regime if the message is not understood'. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz told Al-Sharaa to 'leave the Druze in Sweida alone'. 'As we have made clear and warned, Israel will not abandon the Druze in Syria and will enforce the demilitarisation policy we have decided on,' Katz further said. Katz further said that Al-Sharaa should withdraw its military and warned that Israel would continue military actions until the withdrawal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Earlier in February, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that southern Syria must be completely demilitarised and warned that Israel would not accept the presence of Al-Sharaa's forces. Amid ongoing tensions, Israel announced the deployment of more troops to the armistice line between the occupied Golan Heights and Syrian-controlled territory, according to AFP. 'In accordance with the situational assessment, the (Israeli military) has decided to reinforce its forces in the area of the Syrian border,' an Israeli statement said. Israeli Druze leader, Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, called the situation in Syria 'an existential battle for the Druze community'.
Leaders
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Leaders
Israel Strikes Damascus as Clashes Rage in Sweida
Israel launched airstrikes near Syria's Defense Ministry in Damascus on Wednesday, as fierce renewed clashes between Syrian government forces and Druze armed groups in Sweida province, shattering a brief ceasefire. 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
The Sun
5 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Death toll from southern Syria violence rises to 248: monitor
DAMASCUS: At least 248 people have been killed in southern Syria's Sweida province following several days of clashes that triggered the deployment of government forces, a war monitor said on Wednesday. Sporadic fighting persisted despite the Syrian defence ministry announcing a ceasefire on Tuesday after government forces entered the Druze-majority city due to deadly clashes between local fighters and Bedouin tribes. The toll includes 92 members of the Druze minority, 28 of them civilians with 21 'killed in summary executions by government forces', according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. At least 138 Syrian security personnel were killed, along with 18 allied Bedouin fighters, the monitor said. Clashes erupted on Sunday in the Druze-majority province of Sweida between Druze fighters and Sunni Bedouin tribes following the kidnapping of a Druze vegetable merchant which triggered tit-for-tat abductions, according to the Observatory. Government forces announced their intervention in the province on Monday to break up the clashes and deployed to Sweida city on Tuesday. However, according to the Observatory, witnesses and Druze factions, these forces intervened on the side of the Bedouins. The violence included summary executions of civilians and the burning and looting of homes and shops, according to testimonies from residents, a local news network and the Observatory. The war monitor reported clashes and intermittent shelling in Sweida on Wednesday. An AFP correspondent inside the city saw around 30 bodies, including some security personnel and fighters in civilian clothing carrying weapons. He added that columns of smoke were rising from some neighbourhoods amid the sound of intermittent shelling. The local Suwayda 24 news network reported that the city had been hit by 'heavy shelling with heavy artillery and mortar shells' since Wednesday morning. The Syrian defence ministry accused 'outlaw groups' of attacking its forces inside the city, saying they are now 'continuing to respond to the sources of fire'. The violence is the largest since deadly clashes between government forces and Druze fighters near Damascus and in Sweida province killed over 100 people in April and May. After the December overthrow of president Bashar al-Assad, who long presented himself as a protector of minorities, the new Islamist authorities and Druze factions discussed potential integration into government ranks, but have not reached a full agreement. Israel, which had previously said it would protect the Druze in Syria, reiterated its warning to Damascus on Wednesday. Israel may 'raise the level of responses against the (Syrian) regime if the message is not understood'. Israel previously warned Syrian authorities that it would not allow their forces to be present in southern Syria. – AFP
New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Death toll from southern Syria violence rises to 248
DAMASCUS, (Syria): At least 248 people have been killed in southern Syria's Sweida province following several days of clashes that triggered the deployment of government forces, a war monitor said today. Sporadic fighting persisted despite the Syrian defence ministry announcing a ceasefire on Tuesday after government forces entered the Druze-majority city due to deadly clashes between local fighters and Bedouin tribes. The toll includes 92 members of the Druze minority, 28 of them civilians with 21 "killed in summary executions by government forces", according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. At least 138 Syrian security personnel were killed, along with 18 allied Bedouin fighters, the monitor said. Clashes erupted on Sunday in the Druze-majority province of Sweida between Druze fighters and Sunni Bedouin tribes following the kidnapping of a Druze vegetable merchant which triggered tit-for-tat abductions, according to the Observatory. Government forces announced their intervention in the province on Monday to break up the clashes and deployed to Sweida city on Tuesday. However, according to the Observatory, witnesses and Druze factions, these forces intervened on the side of the Bedouins. The violence included summary executions of civilians and the burning and looting of homes and shops, according to testimonies from residents, a local news network and the Observatory. The war monitor reported clashes and intermittent shelling in Sweida on Wednesday. An AFP correspondent inside the city saw around 30 bodies, including some security personnel and fighters in civilian clothing carrying weapons. He added that columns of smoke were rising from some neighbourhoods amid the sound of intermittent shelling. The local Suwayda 24 news network reported that the city had been hit by "heavy shelling with heavy artillery and mortar shells" since Wednesday morning. The Syrian defence ministry accused "outlaw groups" of attacking its forces inside the city, saying they are now "continuing to respond to the sources of fire." The violence is the largest since deadly clashes between government forces and Druze fighters near Damascus and in Sweida province killed over 100 people in April and May. After the December overthrow of president Bashar al-Assad, who long presented himself as a protector of minorities, the new Islamist authorities and Druze factions discussed potential integration into government ranks, but have not reached a full agreement. Israel, which had previously said it would protect the Druze in Syria, reiterated its warning to Damascus on Wednesday. Israel may "raise the level of responses against the (Syrian) regime if the message is not understood." Israel previously warned Syrian authorities that it would not allow their forces to be present in southern Syria. — AFP
Toronto Star
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Toronto Star
Syria announces ceasefire after sectarian clashes, but more fighting and abuse alleged
BUSRA AL-HARIR, Syria (AP) — Syria 's defense minister announced a ceasefire shortly after government forces entered a key city in southern Sweida province on Tuesday, a day after sectarian clashes killed dozens there. Neighboring Israel again launched strikes on Syrian military forces, saying it was protecting the Druze minority. The latest escalation under Syria's new leaders began with tit-for-tat kidnappings and attacks between local Sunni Bedouin tribes and Druze armed factions in the southern province, a center of the Druze community.
