In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Israel launched a series of powerful airstrikes on Damascus on Wednesday, targeting the defence ministry and areas near the presidential palace. These strikes, which destroyed a section of the defence ministry building and killed five security personnel, were a direct response to what Israel described as attacks by Syrian government forces on the Druze community in southern Syria.
The latest Israeli military actions underscore a significant shift in its policy towards the Islamist-led administration of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Despite warming ties between Sharaa’s administration and the United States, and evolving security contacts with Israel, Jerusalem views Syria’s new rulers as “barely disguised jihadists.” Israel has explicitly stated its refusal to permit Syrian forces to operate in southern Syria, vowing to protect the region’s Druze minority—a stance heavily influenced by appeals from Israel’s own Druze population.
The immediate catalyst for these strikes appears to be the escalating violence in and around Sweida, a predominantly Druze city. This week has seen scores of casualties in clashes pitting Druze fighters against both Syrian government security forces and members of Bedouin tribes. On Monday, Syrian government troops, dispatched to quell fighting between Druze and Bedouin armed groups, ended up clashing directly with Druze militias.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized the situation as “complicated,” suggesting it might be a “misunderstanding” and expressing optimism for de-escalation within hours. However, the ground reality remains volatile. While a ceasefire was announced late Wednesday by the Syrian interior ministry and Druze leader Sheikh Yousef Jarbou, another prominent Druze leader, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajari, called for continued fighting until Sweida is “entirely liberated,” highlighting the fragility of any proposed truce, especially after a similar ceasefire announced on Tuesday quickly collapsed.
An Israeli military official confirmed that targets included the entrance to the military headquarters in Damascus and a military site near the presidential palace. The official justified these actions by asserting that Syrian forces were complicit in the problem by failing to prevent attacks on the Druze. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz reiterated Israel’s resolve, stating the military would “continue to operate vigorously in Sweida to destroy the forces that attacked the Druze until they withdraw completely.”
President Sharaa faces immense challenges in unifying a fractured Syria, particularly amidst deep-seated mistrust from various groups wary of Islamist rule. This apprehension has been exacerbated by previous incidents, such as the mass killings of members of the Alawite minority in March. The current conflict in Sweida further complicates Sharaa’s efforts to stabilize the nation and assert central authority.
For the residents of Sweida, the situation is one of profound fear and uncertainty. Accounts from those reached by phone paint a grim picture: “We are surrounded and we hear the fighters screaming… we’re so scared.” The ongoing violence traps civilians indoors, highlighting the immediate and devastating impact of the conflict on everyday lives.
The recent Israeli airstrikes in Damascus mark a critical juncture in the ongoing Syrian conflict, intertwining regional security concerns with internal Syrian dynamics. The coming days will reveal whether diplomatic efforts can de-escalate the situation or if the violence will continue to spiral, further destabilizing an already fragile region.
As Isreal targets Syria defence minister Headquarters in Damascus, The latest escalation of Israeli airstrikes in Damascus marks a perilous new chapter in the multifaceted Syrian conflict. What began as localized clashes in Sweida between Druze factions, Bedouin tribes, and government forces has rapidly drawn in Israel, transforming a complex internal struggle into a broader regional flashpoint. Israel’s stated objective to protect the Druze minority in southern Syria, a community with deep ties to its own Druze citizens, highlights the intricate ethno-religious dimensions of the conflict and the potential for wider destabilization.
The interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s administration, grappling with the immense challenge of rebuilding a war-torn nation and uniting diverse, often distrustful, populations, now faces direct military confrontation from a powerful regional actor. The deep-seated suspicions of Islamist rule among various Syrian minorities, exacerbated by past atrocities, further complicate Sharaa’s efforts to assert central control. The repeated collapses of ceasefires in Sweida underscore the profound mistrust and the difficulty of finding lasting resolutions on the ground, even with international and regional mediation attempts.
This latest development not only tests the fragile diplomatic overtures between Sharaa’s government and the United States but also reshapes the security landscape of the entire region. Israel’s resolute stance, coupled with its willingness to conduct targeted strikes deep within Syrian territory, signals a clear intent to enforce its red lines and prevent the entrenchment of perceived threats near its borders. As Isreal targets Syria defence minister Headquarters in Damascus, The coming days will be critical in determining whether the ongoing violence can be contained, or if the current escalations will trigger a more widespread conflict, further plunging Syria and its neighbours into an abyss of uncertainty and suffering. The international community, already grappling with the fallout of a protracted civil war, faces an urgent imperative to de-escalate tensions and facilitate a durable political solution that addresses the legitimate concerns of all communities in Syria, preventing a humanitarian catastrophe of even greater proportions.