What's happened
Israeli airstrikes in Syria, including Damascus and Suwayda, have killed at least three people and injured dozens amid ongoing clashes between Druze groups, Bedouin tribes, and Syrian forces. Israel claims its actions aim to protect Druze allies, but Syria condemns the attacks as a dangerous escalation. A new ceasefire was announced but remains fragile.
What's behind the headline?
The recent Israeli strikes reveal a strategic effort to shape Syria's future influence and control. Israel's focus on protecting the Druze minority aligns with its broader goal of preventing a strong, unified Syrian state that could threaten its borders. The attacks on Damascus, including the Defence Ministry and presidential areas, signal a willingness to escalate military pressure, despite international condemnation. The fractured Druze leadership in Suwayda reflects internal divisions, complicating peace efforts. The US and regional actors are calling for de-escalation, but Israel's warnings and strikes suggest it will continue to act unilaterally to maintain regional dominance. This escalation risks further destabilizing Syria and undermining diplomatic efforts for peace, with the potential for wider regional conflict if Israel's actions provoke a broader response.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports detail the scale and impact of the strikes, emphasizing Israel's claims of protecting Druze communities and its warnings to Syrian forces. The Syrian government condemns the attacks as a systematic escalation aimed at igniting chaos, with reports of civilian casualties and military targets hit in Damascus and Suwayda. Politico highlights the regional and international reactions, including condemnations from Turkey, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the EU, which see Israel's actions as violations of sovereignty and threats to stability. The New Arab provides a detailed timeline of the recent clashes and Israeli strikes, illustrating the ongoing violence and the complex sectarian and political dynamics. The Times of Israel underscores Israel's strategic warnings and military actions, framing them as efforts to prevent Syrian military reinforcements and protect Druze allies, amid internal political pressures and regional instability.
How we got here
Tensions in southern Syria have risen since December, when Israel increased bombing campaigns and expanded control efforts in the region. The conflict involves sectarian clashes, Syrian government intervention, and Israeli concerns over security and influence. The Druze minority, with ties to Israel, is caught in the violence, which has escalated with recent fighting and Israeli strikes targeting pro-government forces and military sites.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Did Israel Attack Damascus and Suwayda?
Recent Israeli strikes near Damascus and in Suwayda have raised many questions about the motives behind these military actions. With ongoing clashes in Syria involving government forces, Druze, and Bedouin groups, understanding the reasons for Israel's recent attacks is crucial. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding these events, including regional reactions and the current state of the conflict.
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Why Did Israel Attack Damascus and Southern Syria?
Recent Israeli airstrikes targeted Damascus and southern Syria amid ongoing clashes involving Druze groups, Bedouin tribes, and Syrian forces. Many wonder why Israel is taking such action and what it means for regional stability. Below, we explore the reasons behind these strikes, their implications, and how different countries are responding to this escalation.
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