An alarming escalation of violence in Syria has seen Israeli airstrikes hit key military locations in Damascus as conflict rages in Suweida province, resulting in over 300 fatalities. The U.S. confirms it is working on a ceasefire to restore peace amidst this crisis.**
Conflict Escalates in Syria as Israeli Strikes Target Defense Ministry Amid Sectarian Violence**
Conflict Escalates in Syria as Israeli Strikes Target Defense Ministry Amid Sectarian Violence**
Following deadly clashes in the Druze province of Suweida, Israeli airstrikes hit Syrian targets, prompting U.S. intervention efforts and calls for a ceasefire.**
In a significant escalation of violence in Syria, Israeli air forces targeted the Syrian defense ministry in Damascus on Wednesday, coinciding with ongoing sectarian clashes in the predominantly Druze province of Suweida. The fighting, which has left over 300 people dead since Sunday, stems from confrontations between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the strikes as part of an effort to safeguard the Druze population, asserting, "We are working to save our Druze brothers and eliminate the regime's gangs." The Syrian foreign ministry branded the strikes "treacherous aggression," highlighting the precariousness of the situation.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed his deep concern over the violence, indicating that he expected the conflict to conclude soon. "We have agreed on specific steps that will bring this troubling and horrifying situation to an end," he posted on X, referencing an impending ceasefire. The Syrian government, in response, welcomed U.S. and regional efforts to mediate the crisis peacefully.
Reports indicate that Syrian troops have begun withdrawing from Suweida amid an agreement with local religious leaders aimed at restoring order. The Israeli military had escalated its actions on Monday, launching strikes against Syrian forces in the city that had re-asserted control following years of turmoil since the rebellion against President Bashar al-Assad.
The Druze community, a minority that features distinct religious beliefs falling under Shia Islam, continues to express concerns regarding the interim leadership of Ahmed al-Sharaa, with trust eroded by violent upheavals in past months. The rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Suweida prompted the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights to report acute shortages of medical supplies, with a recent hospital attack exacerbating fear among civilians seeking care amidst ongoing artillery fire.
Witnessing the chaos firsthand, local residents recounted harrowing scenes as they navigated the streets, with one man lamenting the loss of his neighbor to escalating sniper violence. The ongoing conflict highlights the fragility of stability in the region, with reports of civilian casualties raising international concern.
The recent clashes in Suweida reportedly ignited following the abduction of a Druze merchant, with further entrenchment of fighting leading to intervention by government forces. The Syrian interior ministry’s announcement of a ceasefire marks a pivotal moment in this dangerous escalation, although the prospects for lasting peace remain uncertain as tensions linger between the affected groups.
As Israel maintains an active role across the Syrian border, fears regarding further regional destabilization prompt urgent calls for dialogue and reconciliation among the factions involved.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the strikes as part of an effort to safeguard the Druze population, asserting, "We are working to save our Druze brothers and eliminate the regime's gangs." The Syrian foreign ministry branded the strikes "treacherous aggression," highlighting the precariousness of the situation.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed his deep concern over the violence, indicating that he expected the conflict to conclude soon. "We have agreed on specific steps that will bring this troubling and horrifying situation to an end," he posted on X, referencing an impending ceasefire. The Syrian government, in response, welcomed U.S. and regional efforts to mediate the crisis peacefully.
Reports indicate that Syrian troops have begun withdrawing from Suweida amid an agreement with local religious leaders aimed at restoring order. The Israeli military had escalated its actions on Monday, launching strikes against Syrian forces in the city that had re-asserted control following years of turmoil since the rebellion against President Bashar al-Assad.
The Druze community, a minority that features distinct religious beliefs falling under Shia Islam, continues to express concerns regarding the interim leadership of Ahmed al-Sharaa, with trust eroded by violent upheavals in past months. The rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Suweida prompted the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights to report acute shortages of medical supplies, with a recent hospital attack exacerbating fear among civilians seeking care amidst ongoing artillery fire.
Witnessing the chaos firsthand, local residents recounted harrowing scenes as they navigated the streets, with one man lamenting the loss of his neighbor to escalating sniper violence. The ongoing conflict highlights the fragility of stability in the region, with reports of civilian casualties raising international concern.
The recent clashes in Suweida reportedly ignited following the abduction of a Druze merchant, with further entrenchment of fighting leading to intervention by government forces. The Syrian interior ministry’s announcement of a ceasefire marks a pivotal moment in this dangerous escalation, although the prospects for lasting peace remain uncertain as tensions linger between the affected groups.
As Israel maintains an active role across the Syrian border, fears regarding further regional destabilization prompt urgent calls for dialogue and reconciliation among the factions involved.
