Air Strike on Damascus After Deadly Attacks on Druze Minority in Syria
Israeli military conducts air raids over Damascus capital.
Get the lowdown on the latest events unfolding in the Middle East as Israel responds with an air strike near Damascus, Syria, following renewed deadly attacks on the Druze community. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu verified the attack, affirming Israel's unwavering commitment to shielding their Druze allies. The Israeli army declared on Telegram that fighter jets had "striked the area around the palace."
Israel's Minister of Defense, Israel Katz, issued a stern warning to the Syrian leadership, lashing out against further attacks on the Druze. He directed this message to the interim Syrian president, Ahmed al-Sharaa. "We are steadfast in our protection of the Druze and are keeping a close eye on the situation. If there are further attacks and the regime does not act to halt them, we will take severe action."
Reports from activists suggested that Druze had once more fallen victim to violence in Syria. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based organization, reported that 35 Druze perished in a ambush in southern Syria. Syrian security forces and pro-government militias allegedly initiated the attack.
The Observatory reported that clashes erupted between pro-government forces and Druze fighters in a Damascus suburb overnight on Tuesday, and have since resulted in over 100 casualties. In response, the Israeli air force executed multiple strikes on targets in Syria on Wednesday. According to military reports, forces responsible for attacking Druze near Damascus were targeted during the strikes.
Druze Cry for International Aid
The Druze are a religious community predominantly residing in Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan. Estimates suggest that there are approximately 700,000 Druze in Syria. This religious sect emerged from Shiite Islam in the 11th century and boasts a long-standing connection with Israel due to many Druze volunteering for service in Israel's military.
The Syrian Druze religious leader, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, described the recent hostilities as a "campaign of genocide" that is "unjustifiable." He appealed to "international forces" to intervene and safeguard peace, and prevent the escalation of these atrocities.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar implored the worldwide community to protect Druze and other minorities in Syria "from the regime and its terrorist militias." He urged the global community not to turn a blind eye to these events. Historically, many Druze were allies of the Syrian government. However, some Druze are now critical of the new Islamist-led government in Damascus, while others are already cooperating.
- Israel
- Syria
- USA
- Islamists
Sources: ntv.de, ino/AFP/dpa
Israel's Response:
- Airstrikes: Israel carried out airstrikes targeting groups intending to attack Druze communities, labeling these as "warning operations"[3].
- Message to Syria: Israel delivered a message to the Syrian regime expressing their expectation that Syria should take action against harm to the Druze minority[1][3].
Druze Situation:
- Violence and Uncertainty: The Druze face heightened sectarian violence and uncertainty in Syria, with at least 13 people killed in clashes near Damascus[2].
- Family and Historical Ties: The Druze community in Syria has familial ties with those in Lebanon and Israel, which partially explains Israel's intervention[1].
International Community's Response:- Limited Specific Response: Beyond Israel's actions, there is no specific information about international calls for protection or intervention for the Druze minority in Syria based on available search results. The international community's broader response to the Syrian conflict often encompasses diplomatic efforts and humanitarian aid, but specific action regarding the Druze situation is not detailed in the available information.
The European Union is also concerned about the situation in Syria, expressing solidarity with the Druze minority who are currently facing violence and uncertainty. The severity of the conflicts in Syria is confirmed by various reports, and the USA, along with other international forces, is urged to intervene and help protect the Druze community. Despite some Druze being allies of the Syrian government in the past, many have now criticized the Islamist-led government in Damascus, seeking international aid to safeguard their safety.
