According to a report by Al Jazeera on Friday, July 18, 2025, Israeli airstrikes have struck military targets in the vicinity of Suwayda, a city in southern Syria primarily inhabited by the Druze community, according to the Syrian state news agency SANA.
The raids follow a fragile ceasefire agreement reached after days of deadly clashes involving Druze armed groups, Bedouin tribes, and Syrian government forces. These clashes have resulted in over 30 deaths and wounded more than 100 people since the violence began earlier this week.
The Israeli military confirmed the strikes, stating that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had ordered attacks on Syrian forces and military vehicles to disrupt armed convoys heading toward the Suwayda region.
Targets reportedly included tanks, armored personnel carriers, and multiple launch rocket systems along access routes in the area, aiming to prevent reinforcements from arriving.
The conflict in Suwayda reignited after local Druze and Bedouin armed factions resumed hostilities, despite a ceasefire declaration by the Syrian Defense Minister following talks with community leaders.
While Syrian government troops have begun withdrawing heavy military equipment, factions from both communities continue to fight for control.
Israel claims its strikes aim to protect the Druze minority, which it views as a potential ally near its border.
However, the Syrian government condemned the Israeli attacks as violations of its sovereignty and international law.
Critics argue that Israel’s interventions may exacerbate regional tensions and serve broader strategic interests beyond protecting minority groups.
The broader conflict continues to strain the region, complicating efforts toward stability as local rivalries intersect with international military actions.
The situation remains volatile with no clear resolution in sight as Israel maintains its military operations in southern Syria amid ongoing tribal and sectarian violence.
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