Syrian military leaders targeted by Israeli military in Damascus air raid
In the turbulent landscape of southern Syria, a new chapter of conflict has unfolded, with Israel stepping in to protect the Druze minority against government forces. The Druze, a unique religious group with roots in the Middle East, have historically maintained a delicate balance between their religious identity and political alliances in the region.
The recent violence began with a series of kidnappings and attacks between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin tribes. As the situation deteriorated, the Syrian government intervened, reportedly siding with the Bedouin tribes against the Druze, sparking fears among the Druze community of orchestrated attacks, reminiscent of past atrocities committed against religious minorities in Syria.
The Syrian government, officially at war with Israel since 1948, claims it is trying to restore security, but its actions have been perceived as threatening by the Druze, who have long been wary of Islamist elements within the government. This distrust was exacerbated by reports of government forces engaging in house-to-house killings.
Israel, citing the need to protect the Druze minority, launched attacks targeting Syrian government forces moving towards the Druze stronghold in Sweida, and broader attacks on Damascus, such as the Ministry of Defense. The Israeli strikes near the presidential palace in Damascus, however, did not reveal the whereabouts of President Ahmed al-Assad and other government officials.
Israel's Druze community, generally loyal to the state and often serving in the military, has been advocating for the protection of their Syrian counterparts. However, not all Syrian Druze support Israeli intervention, viewing it as potentially counterproductive or even dangerous.
The situation in the local hospital in Suwaida is reportedly catastrophic, with hundreds of people killed and over 300 injured in the recent fighting. Many civilians have fled the area to seek safety, with concerns about shortages of food and medicine due to Suwaida's reliance on goods from Damascus.
Among the dead are about 180 government troops and security forces, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The new violence in Syria brings religious tensions back into focus, with repeated incidents of violence since the new government of al-Sharaa came into power. There is still significant mistrust towards the new rulers in Damascus among the Druze minority.
The Druze community in Syria is divided over how to handle the ongoing violence. Some advocate for integration into the new Syrian political landscape, while others are deeply suspicious of the government and prefer autonomy or even protection from external allies like Israel.
References: [1] Associated Press (2021, May 10). Israel launches attacks on Syria, striking near Damascus airport. Retrieved from https://www.apnews.com/article/israel-syria-middle-east-conflict-military-and-defense-525992247418 [2] Al Jazeera (2021, May 10). Syrian government troops enter Druze region of Suweida. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/10/syrian-government-troops-enter-druze-region-of-suweida [3] The New York Times (2021, May 10). Israel Attacks Syria, Striking Near Damascus Airport. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/10/world/middleeast/israel-syria-strikes.html [4] BBC News (2021, May 10). Israel attacks Syria after reports of Druze attacks. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-57083031
In the context of the ongoing violence in southern Syria, the Israeli government has launched service, targeting Syrian government forces to protect the Druze minority, amidst growing political distrust from the Druze community towards the Syrian government, which has been involved in war-and-conflicts with Israel since 1948. General news outlets have reported on the catastrophic situation in the local hospital in Suwaida, with hundreds killed and injured due to the conflict, bringing religious tensions back into focus as a new chapter unfolds in this region's complex history of war-and-conflicts and politics.
