In This Article

  • Israeli Strikes and Ceasefire Announcement
  • Humanitarian Toll and Civilian Impact
  • Military Withdrawals and Continued Operations
  • Origins of the Suweida Conflict
  • Ceasefire Prospects and Ongoing Concerns

Key Takeaways

  • Israeli forces conducted precision strikes on Syrian military targets, escalating tensions and prompting a humanitarian crisis in Suweida province.
  • A ceasefire was announced following U.S. and Arabian mediation efforts, though its implementation and impact remain uncertain.
  • Over 300 fatalities have been reported since the escalation, with critical shortages of medical supplies and water exacerbating the crisis.
  • Syrian state forces withdrew from Suweida after agreements with local leaders, while Israel vowed continued military action against hostile groups.
  • The conflict's roots trace back to the abduction of a Druze merchant, sparking clashes between Druze militias and government-aligned forces.

Israeli forces launched precision strikes on Syria's Defence Ministry headquarters in Damascus and military positions in southern Syria on Wednesday, escalating tensions amid ongoing sectarian violence in the Druze-majority Suweida province. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the operations aimed to "protect Druze communities and dismantle regime-linked militias," while Syria condemned the attacks as "treacherous aggression."

Concurrently, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced an imminent resolution to the Suweida conflict, stating on social media: "Specific steps have been agreed upon to end this crisis tonight." Syria's foreign ministry acknowledged welcoming mediation efforts by U.S. and Arabian parties to achieve a peaceful outcome, though Israel has not yet commented on the ceasefire initiative.

Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) documented over 300 fatalities since Sunday, including 69 Druze fighters, 40 civilians, and 165 government troops. Witnesses described artillery and sniper attacks paralyzing Suweida city, with civilians unable to reach hospitals amid critical shortages of water and medical supplies. Government forces reportedly discovered "dozens of bodies" at Suweida’s national hospital after armed groups withdrew.

Military Withdrawals and Continued Strikes

Syrian state media confirmed troop withdrawals from Suweida following an agreement with local religious leaders, claiming the military had completed operations against "outlaw groups." Meanwhile, Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed ongoing strikes in Suweida until hostile forces fully retreat. Israeli jets also hit weapons convoys en route to the province and facilities near Damascus’ presidential palace.

Syria’s foreign ministry accused Israel of deliberately "inflaming tensions and violating international law" after strikes damaged civilian infrastructure. Footage from Damascus showed panic as explosions rocked central areas, with filmmaker Fadi Al Halabi describing crowds fleeing air raids: "People’s faces were terrified—no one knew where to run."

Roots of the Conflict

The violence erupted after Bedouin tribes abducted a Druze merchant near Damascus last Friday, triggering clashes between Druze militias and government-aligned forces. Minority Druze communities remain distrustful of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime despite security assurances. Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s commitment to protecting Syrian Druze due to their cultural ties with Israeli Druze communities.

A ceasefire negotiated Wednesday night seeks to end hostilities, though the SOHR warns of rapidly deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Suweida. Casualty figures remain unverified independently.

Tags:

#Ceasefire #sectarian violence #Druze #Syria Conflict #Israeli Airstrikes