Following deadly sectarian clashes in Syria's Suweida province, the U.S. agrees on specific measures to halt violence, while Israel escalates its military campaign by bombing Syrian defense targets. Tensions rise as both Druze and Bedouin communities face severe humanitarian crises amid ongoing hostilities.
U.S. and Israel Intensify Efforts Amid Escalating Violence in Syria's Suweida Province
U.S. and Israel Intensify Efforts Amid Escalating Violence in Syria's Suweida Province
As violence surges in Suweida, U.S. officials announce steps to resolve the conflict while Israel conducts military strikes targeting Syrian forces.
The ongoing sectarian violence in Syria's Suweida province has compelled the United States and Israel to heighten their involvement. Since Sunday, over 350 people have lost their lives due to clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes. The situation intensified when Israel launched air strikes on the Syrian defense ministry in Damascus, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced operations to protect the Druze community.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on social media that "specific steps" had been agreed upon to help de-escalate the situation. Reports suggest that Syrian troops began withdrawing from Suweida as part of a recognized accord with local religious leaders aimed at resolving the crisis peacefully. Amid these developments, the Syrian foreign ministry expressed appreciation for the U.S. and Arab nations in seeking a resolution.
Meanwhile, Israel's military has ramped up its operations in southern Syria, with Netanyahu indicating that these strikes are a direct response to threats faced by the Druze community. The Israeli military's targets reportedly included armored vehicles and weapons storages, while the strikes resulted in civilian casualties, drawing condemnation from Syria’s government.
Local accounts from the city of Suweida highlight the terrifying atmosphere for civilians, with reports of artillery fire and chaos at hospitals. The humanitarian situation has significantly deteriorated, with reports of looting and inadequate medical supplies exacerbating the crisis.
The fighting was reportedly triggered by the abduction of a Druze merchant, leading to armed confrontations between Druze fighters and Bedouin tribals, further complicating the conflict landscape in Syria. As the U.S. and Israel take steps to navigate this evolving situation, calls for a ceasefire from Syria's interior ministry mark attempts to restore order amid significantly heightened tensions in the region.
