Damascus: Israel intensified its military operations in Syria, executing airstrikes in the Damascus countryside while issuing warnings to the Syrian government. The actions were in response to disturbances in Druze-populated regions earlier this week.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Syrian government reported that the airstrikes resulted in civilian casualties, including Druze residents. The attacks followed two days of violence in the Ashrafiyat Sahnaya and Jaramana areas near Damascus, which erupted after a leaked audio message attributed to a Druze resident allegedly insulted Prophet Muhammad. The clashes led to the death of sixteen individuals, including security personnel.
In reaction to the unrest, Israel's leadership, including the prime minister and defense minister, described the airstrikes as a 'warning operation' aimed at deterring any harm to the Druze community. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called for international intervention to safeguard minorities in Syria from the 'regime and its terrorist gangs.' Defense Minister Israel Katz openly threatened severe retaliation if the violence against the Druze did not cease.
Syria condemned the airstrikes, viewing them as a breach of sovereignty. Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani emphasized the need for internal resolution through community dialogue, cautioning against external interference. The General Security Directorate announced that calm was restored following discussions with local leaders, which included a ceasefire and a plan to disarm Jaramana and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya.
Reports from Israel's public broadcaster indicated that Druze soldiers in the Israeli military had urged high-ranking officials to take action to protect their families in Syria. Syrian authorities accused 'outlaws' of exacerbating sectarian tensions and reiterated the government's stance that all Syrians, including the Druze, are treated equally under the law.
The Israeli strikes, reported to have targeted areas around Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, are among the latest in a series of Israeli military actions within Syrian territory. Since February, Israel has increased its air raids across Syria despite the lack of direct threats from the Syrian administration led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Israel continues to occupy most of the Syrian Golan Heights since 1967. After the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad government in December, Israel declared the 1974 disengagement agreement null and took over the former demilitarized zone. The situation remains tense, with growing international concern over Israel's actions, ostensibly to protect minorities, amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza.