In the heart of the Middle East, multiple conflicts unfold, with Israel's involvement apparent on nearly every front. Recently, Israel has intensified its operations in Syria. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched an attack on the entry gate of the Syrian Ministry of Defense in Damascus, the Syrian capital, on Wednesday. Since Monday, Israel has been targeting the military of Syria's Islamic-led government. This offensive began when clashes erupted between local security forces and Druze fighters in the southern city of Suwayda.
Israel states that these strikes aim to protect the Druze minority from local military aggression. According to security sources at the Syrian Ministry of Defense, quoted by Reuters, at least two drone attacks have struck the ministry building, prompting officials to seek shelter in the basement. The Syrian state media, Al-Ikhbariya TV, reported that two civilians were injured in the Israeli strikes.
The Israeli military declared, 'We've targeted the entry gate of the Syrian regime's military headquarters complex in Damascus. We are closely monitoring the actions against Druze civilians in southern Syria.'
How Did Israel-Syria Hostilities Begin?
Syrian state media reported that Wednesday's main target was the city of Suwayda. The conflict was triggered on Monday when government troops moved into the city to suppress the fighting between Druze fighters and Bedouin armed groups. However, it quickly escalated into a confrontation between Druze fighters and government forces themselves. Despite a ceasefire, repeated violations have occurred.
Local news outlet Suwayda24 reported that early Wednesday, Suwayda city and the surrounding villages were subjected to heavy artillery and mortar shelling. In a statement to the state news agency SANA, the Syrian Ministry of Defense accused unlawful groups in Suwayda of breaching the truce.
Who Are the Druze For Whom Israel Is Launching Strikes?
The Druze are recognized as Arabs, with origins tracing back to 11th-century Egypt. This community, numbering about a million, resides in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Israel.
The Druze adhere to a unique religion, distinct from Islam or Judaism. Instead, their beliefs blend elements from Hinduism, Buddhism, and other faiths.
How Many Druze Live in Syria?
Approximately 700,000 Druze live in Syria, primarily in Suwayda. Over 29,000 reside in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, identifying as Syrian. Israel has repeatedly offered Israeli citizenship to the Druze living there, but they have declined.
In Israel, around 150,000 people belong to the Druze community, holding Israeli citizenship and serving in the Israeli military.
