Israel strikes Syria after Druze clashes

Israel conducted airstrikes on Syrian government infrastructure in southern Syria, citing attacks on the Druze minority in Suweida province as justification. The Israeli military stated the strikes targeted a command center and weapons storage, emphasizing its commitment to protecting the Druze population. Syria condemned the strikes as a violation of its sovereignty, accusing Israel of interference and fabricating excuses. The strikes follow escalating violence in Suweida, a Druze-majority province, where clashes between government forces and local armed groups have intensified. The fighting reportedly began after mortar fire landed in Druze-controlled areas, with shelling later hitting residential neighborhoods. Israel has warned of further action if the Syrian government continues to target Druze communities.

Israel conducted overnight air strikes on Syrian army camps in southern Syria on Friday, citing attacks against the Druze community in the Suwayda area on Thursday. The Israeli military stated the strikes were in response to these attacks and affirmed its commitment to protecting the Druze population in Syria. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that fighting had erupted in Suwayda between government forces and local tribes against opposing Druze factions after mortar shells hit Druze-controlled areas and residential neighborhoods. Syria's state news agency, SANA, did not acknowledge either the fighting or the Israeli strikes. Tensions in Suwayda have been ongoing, with previous clashes in July between Bedouin fighters and Druze groups prompting government intervention and earlier Israeli strikes.