The ongoing violence in Syria intensified this week as Israeli airstrikes targeted the Syrian defense ministry in Damascus and military sites in southern Syria.
Israeli Strikes Hit Damascus Defense Ministry Amid Sectarian Violence
These attacks occurred while heavy fighting continued in Suweida province, which is home to many from the Druze community.
More than 350 people have reportedly been killed since Sunday. The violence broke out between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes in Suweida, a mostly Druze-populated area in southern Syria. The Syrian government forces entered the region for the first time in years, which further escalated the conflict.
In response to what was described as threats against Druze civilians, Israeli forces launched a series of airstrikes starting on Monday. These strikes were aimed at government troops and weapon storage sites, especially in Suweida. One of the attacks even hit the Syrian defense ministry in central Damascus, causing panic in crowded areas.
A large number of civilians were affected. Witnesses reported that some of the strikes took place near hospitals, leading to a critical shortage of medical supplies and water. Armed clashes were also reported near the national hospital in Suweida, with tanks reportedly shelling the building while many wounded people were being treated inside.
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According to human rights monitors, the situation on the ground quickly worsened. Artillery and sniper fire were reported in civilian neighborhoods. Residents described scenes of looting and extrajudicial killings, adding to the overall fear and instability in the region.
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As the fighting escalated and the death toll rose, the United States stepped in. On Wednesday, the US confirmed that it had agreed on “specific steps” to end the violence in Syria. This announcement came after a series of meetings between American officials and parties involved in the conflict.
The US stated that these steps were intended to stop the crisis in Suweida and surrounding areas immediately. According to reports from Syria’s state news agency, government troops began pulling out of Suweida on Wednesday night. This move was reportedly part of an agreement reached between the Syrian government and religious leaders in Suweida.
The Syrian government welcomed the involvement of both US and Arab nations in bringing about a peaceful resolution. It confirmed that troops were leaving after they had completed operations against what it called “outlaw groups.”
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Despite these efforts, Israel has not issued any statement regarding the ceasefire talks. Instead, its military continues to take credit for significant operations aimed at pressuring Syrian forces to withdraw. The Israeli defense ministry claimed responsibility for strikes on targets close to the presidential palace and the defense ministry in Damascus.
Witnesses from the ground reported scenes of terror as fighter jets flew low over residential areas. One bystander said people were running in every direction, not knowing where to take shelter as missiles hit crowded locations.
Suweida Sees Rising Casualties and Humanitarian Crisis
According to a UK-based monitoring group, more than 350 people have died in Suweida since Sunday. These include around 79 Druze fighters, 55 civilians, 189 Syrian government troops, and 18 Bedouin tribal fighters. Among the civilians, several were reportedly killed by government forces in summary executions.
The conflict reportedly began after a Druze merchant was abducted last week. In response, Druze fighters took over a neighborhood inhabited by Bedouins in Suweida. This led to widespread fighting across towns and villages in the province.
Syrian security forces were later deployed with the goal of restoring order. However, local residents accused them of looting homes and humiliating community members. Government forces were also blamed for setting houses on fire during operations.
Israeli officials stated that their airstrikes would continue until Syrian troops completely withdrew from Suweida. Military vehicles carrying weapons were targeted en route to the province. Israeli forces also fired tear gas to stop Druze citizens from crossing the border into Syria.
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Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Suweida worsened. Shortages of clean water and medical supplies were reported. Some hospitals were attacked during the fighting, causing severe disruption in care for the wounded. The health ministry later announced that dozens of bodies had been found in the hospital after armed groups pulled back.
Fighting and bombardment in residential areas forced thousands of people to flee or hide in their homes. The death toll is expected to rise as more reports come in from rural areas that remain cut off due to the fighting.