Israel has targeted Syria's capital, Damascus. On Wednesday evening, Israel launched an attack on Damascus. Amid growing tensions over these Israeli attacks and issues concerning the Druze community, Syria’s President Ahmad al-Shara boldly declared, 'We're not afraid of war, we have spent our lives facing challenges.'
In his first public statement, al-Shara accused Israel of inciting communal discord in Syria and warned that victory in one sector does not guarantee victory everywhere. He unequivocally stated that Syria will not tolerate any external interference, particularly regarding the Druze.
The Druze: The Soul of Our Nation - President Al Shara
Al-Shara emphasized that the Druze are the soul of the nation and protecting their rights is a duty. Amid rising attacks and internal clashes, he advocated for dialogue over conflict, crediting American, Arab, and Turkish mediation with preventing chaos.
Additionally, President Al-Shara directly asserted to Israel that although they do not fear war, Syria will not be thrust into flames of destruction.
Source: aajtak
IDF Claims
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed to have continued operations against Syrian government forces in the Sweida region. The IDF released fresh footage of these operations, showing military installations and vehicles targeted.
Israeli Air Force Targets
Sources indicate that the Israeli air force, in their recent operations, targeted armored vehicles and pickup trucks fitted with heavy machine guns advancing towards the city of Sweida, regarded as a stronghold of the predominantly Druze community, currently experiencing serious clashes.
The IDF reported targeting not only military vehicles but also Syrian military stations, weapon depots, and other strategic points in southern Syria. These operations occur amidst a rise in anti-government activities in Syria and Israel's prior vigil against Iranian-backed group presence in the region.
Critical Situation in Sweida
In Sweida, tensions and clashes have recently escalated between Druze community members and government forces. Israel claims these attacks were in self-defense to counter perceived threats from Syrian and Iranian activities near its borders.
Reasons for Israeli Strikes
Israel states it intervened in response to inhumane actions by Syrian forces against the Druze community. Over 300 members of the Druze community have perished in battles with Syrian forces, prompting Israel's retaliatory strikes to halt Syrian forces. The United Nations Security Council also convenes today as part of this unfolding situation.
