**Escalating Sectarian Violence Near Damascus: Israel Takes Action to Protect Druse Community**

Recent armed confrontations have resulted in a significant death toll, prompting international attention on the unfolding situation in Syria.

Violent sectarian clashes erupted around Damascus on April 30, 2025, as pro-government fighters clashed with Druse militia, resulting in the death of at least 11 individuals, as reported by Syrian authorities and monitoring groups. This unrest, which has continued for two days, has accumulated a death toll of at least 28.

In a show of military engagement, Israel announced it had conducted a warning strike on the outskirts of Damascus against what it described as “extremists” poised to attack members of the Druse religious minority. This operation was revealed through a joint statement by Israeli Prime Minister and Defense Minister, emphasizing Israel's commitment to protecting the Druse community, known for their close ties with the Israeli state.

The conflict intensified overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday, spreading to Ashrafieh Sahnaya—a predominantly Druse town south of Damascus—where government checkpoints and vehicles were targeted by armed attackers, as reported by the Syrian state news agency SANA. This outbreak of violence followed earlier clashes in the town of Jaramana, another area on the southern fringe of the capital known for its Druse population.

While Israeli officials have reinforced their support for the Druse in Syria, the Syrian government has not issued an immediate response to Israel's military action, indicating a complex dynamic of power transition and sectarian warfare in the region. The situation remains tense, with the potential for escalation looming as various factions vie for control amid an increasingly uncertain political landscape.