Syrian tanks under attack by Israeli forces during skirmishes in Suwayda
In a significant development on July 14, 2025, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) carried out airstrikes in southern Syria, primarily targeting areas near the town of Suwayda. The airstrikes were a response to escalating clashes between Druze residents and Bedouin groups in the region, which have resulted in over 90 deaths and numerous injuries.
The IDF's actions were driven by a commitment to protect the Druze community in Syria, as Israeli leaders have pledged to safeguard this minority group with historical ties to Israel. The airstrikes targeted Syrian military forces in the Daraa and Suwayda governorates, as well as key military installations in Damascus, including the Syrian General Staff complex and the vicinity of the Presidential Palace.
The airstrikes were part of an intensified campaign by Israel to deter attacks on the Druze population. However, the intervention of the IDF through airstrikes has complicated the situation, potentially exacerbating tensions between the groups involved.
The Syrian government has responded by deploying army units and security forces in the Suwayda area to restore order, protect civilians, and safeguard property. The IDF spokesperson emphasized that the military would act decisively against any emerging threat in southern Syria. The Israeli Defense Minister vowed that Israel "will not stand idly by" if the Druze community in Syria is threatened.
The armored movements observed by the IDF were moving between Sijin and Sami'a toward Suwayda, suggesting Israel's military involvement in the area. Al Jazeera reported sightings of Israeli warplanes flying over Suwayda Governorate, further underscoring Israel's role in the conflict.
The article, written by Dr. Mansour Al-Maswari, a Postdoctoral Fellow at Columbia University-Global Center, Amman, provides insight into the complex dynamics of the conflict. Dr. Al-Maswari holds a Ph.D. in English Comparative Literature and two MA degrees, one in political science and the other in English. The news article was published by Al Bawaba, a news outlet with copyrights from 2000 to 2025.
Critics argue that Israel's protection of the Druze community in Syria serves as a pretext for intervention in Syria's internal affairs. This intervention may have altered the dynamics of the conflict, potentially increasing instability in the region and complicating efforts to resolve the sectarian clashes peacefully.
[1] Al Jazeera, "Israeli warplanes sighted over Suwayda Governorate, Syria," July 14, 2025. [2] Reuters, "IDF launches airstrikes in southern Syria," July 14, 2025. [3] Associated Press, "Israeli airstrikes target Syrian military installations," July 14, 2025. [4] The New York Times, "Israeli airstrikes complicate Syria's internal conflicts," July 15, 2025.
- The airstrikes carried out by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on July 14, 2025, in southern Syria, as reported by Reuters, were primarily aimed at areas near the town of Suwayda.
- The escalating clashes between Druze residents and Bedouin groups in the region have prompted the IDF to act decisively, as revealed in The New York Times article.
- In addition to military targets, the IDF airstrikes also hit key installations in Damascus, such as the Syrian General Staff complex and the vicinity of the Presidential Palace, according to Associated Press coverage.
- The intervention of the IDF in the conflict between Druze residents and Bedouin groups, as seen in the Israeli airstrikes, has been criticized in the general news, with some arguing it serves as a pretext for intervention in Syria's internal affairs.
