In brief
Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has vowed to protect the nation's Druze, following violent sectarian clashes that led to Israeli airstrikes targeting Damascus. With over 350 fatalities reported, he asserts that government troops have successfully expelled "outlawed groups" from Suweida and that security responsibilities will now be shifted to local leaders.
Syria's interim president has made clear his intentions to safeguard the nation's Druze citizens in light of escalating sectarian violence that has resulted in Israeli airstrikes on government targets. Speaking in his first televised remarks since the strikes, Ahmed al-Sharaa proclaimed the safety of the Druze as his "priority," amidst ongoing clashes that have left over 350 dead in Suweida province.State media in Syria noted that military forces were withdrawing from Suweida under a ceasefire deal with Druze leadership, yet the stability of this accord remains uncertain. The violence erupted over the weekend when Druze militias and Bedouin tribes clashed, leading the government to send troops to Suweida for the first time since a previous conflict resulting in President Bashar al-Assad's ousting.The situation has intensified, with reports from local residents and activists alleging that government forces have committed atrocities against Druze civilians. The Druze community, an offshoot of Shia Islam, is now on high alert due to recent violence, having remained cautious of Sharaa, who leads a Sunni Islamist faction with a controversial past.Al-Sharaa, in his address, asserted that Druze citizens are integral to the nation's fabric and insisted that any foreign intervention must be resisted. He claimed that government forces had triumphantly expelled rival factions despite ongoing Israeli involvement. He maintained a defiant stance towards potential conflict, stating, “We are not among those who fear the war,” while committing to the accountability of those who have harmed the Druze population.In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assured Druze citizens in Israel that military actions were taken to protect their community from regime-affiliated gangs. The Israeli military confirmed airstrikes on several Syrian military installations, aiming to prevent the establishment of hostile entities near its borders and to safeguard Druze civilians.Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the violent situation, stating that specific commitments had been reached among the involved parties. However, details remained scarce.The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports a grim tally of casualties, including Druze militants and civilians alongside government forces and Bedouin fighters. While the figures are difficult to verify, sources indicate a significant death toll, raising concerns about the burgeoning sectarian strife in the region.
