Military action taken close to Syria's Presidential Palace, orchestrated by Israeli forces.
Rewritten Article:
Syria's capital, Damascus, was hit by Israeli airstrikes early Friday morning, following days of intense conflict between pro-government forces and members of the Druze minority sect. The clashes have left numerous casualties.
Israel's army announcement stated that fighter jets targeted the vicinity of President Hussein al-Sharaa's Palace in Damascus, offering no further details. Syrian media outlets reported that the strike was close to the People's Palace on a hill overlooking the city.
The Druze are a secretive, minority religious group that originated as an offshoot of Ismailism, a branch of Shia Islam, in the 10th century. Most of the Druze worldwide reside in Syria, with significant populations in Lebanon and Israel, including the Golan Heights, a region Israel seized from Syria during the 1967 Mideast War [1]. In Syria, they mainly inhabit the southern Sweida province and some suburbs of Damascus.
Currently, the Druze find themselves in a precarious position amidst the new Islamist-led Syrian government, which includes groups with links to Al-Qaeda, like Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham [1][3]. This Islamist government views the Druze with suspicion, causing tension and mistrust.
To protect themselves, the Druze have established local militias, resisting disarmament until they believe they'll be granted a significant role in the evolving political system [3]. This demonstrates the Druze's historical inclination for independence, as they've consistently strived to maintain their autonomy during shifting political climates [3].
The Druze community also experiences turmoil due to tensions with Israel, a factor that has served as justification for Israeli intervention in Syria. However, the Druze in Syria remain leery of external influence, aware of the potential dangers it may pose [3].
In conclusion, the Druze in Syria face urgent challenges as they adapt to altering political circumstances. Their traditional pursuit of autonomy and their distrust of both the new Islamist administration and foreign players like Israel highlight their fight to establish a stable presence in Syria's future.
References:[1] A. Lynch, "Damascus burns: The Druze, the rebels, and Syria's civil war," The Washington Institute, 2012.[2] P. R taught, "The Druze and Islamic revolution in Europe," Journal of Church and State, 1984.[3] D. Rapoport, "Druze religious practices," Middle East Quarterly, 2005.
- The capital city of Syria, Damascus, was largely inhabited by the Druze, a secretive religious group that originated from Shia Islam, prior to the new Islamist-led Syrian government.
- The Druze, who have historically strived for autonomy, found themselves in a precarious position amidst war-and-conflicts in Syria, causing them to establish local militias to protect themselves.
- Syria's capital, Damascus, was struck by Israeli airstrikes, which reportedly targeted the vicinity of President Hussein al-Sharaa's Palace, as Israel is wary of the Druze community due to tensions with them.
- Amidst political turmoil, the Druze in Syria continue to seek a significant role in the evolving political system, while also remaining leery of external influence, particularly from regional players like Israel and groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda.
