In a rapidly escalating situation marked by Israeli airstrikes and deadly sectarian clashes, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated that “specific steps” have been agreed upon to mitigate violence in Syria. This comes after Israel targeted the Syrian defense ministry in Damascus and engaged in military actions against government forces in the southern region of Suweida. The unrest in this province has persisted for four days, resulting in over 300 reported deaths due to clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes.
US and Allies Lay Out Steps to Quell Violence in Syria Following Israeli Attacks
US and Allies Lay Out Steps to Quell Violence in Syria Following Israeli Attacks
The US and its allies agree on measures to stabilize Syria after Israeli military strikes hit Damascus amidst ongoing violence.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the military operations are meant to safeguard Druze populations and dismantle what he describes as “regime gangs.” Conversely, Syria's foreign ministry condemned these actions as acts of “treacherous aggression.” As the violence in Suweida continues, Secretary Rubio expressed concern but optimism that the situation could resolve soon. Syria welcomed US and Arab efforts aimed at a peaceful resolution.
Reports from the Syrian state news agency Sana indicate that government forces are withdrawing from Suweida as part of an agreement with local religious leaders. This follows the arrival of Syrian military personnel in the city for the first time since Sunni Islamist groups gained prominence in the region. Despite assurances from the government, local minority groups remain anxious about their safety amid recurring sectarian violence.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz communicated on social media that military actions would persist until conditions improve for the Druze community. Eyewitness accounts from people in Suweida cite chaos and fear as Israeli airstrikes struck major targets, with significant civilian areas affected.
Additionally, humanitarian conditions in Suweida have reportedly deteriorated sharply, with shortages of medical supplies and rampant violence disrupting lives. The Syrian Health Ministry reported intervention forces finding multiple casualties in a local hospital where artillery and sniper fire had caused earlier havoc.
The backdrop of this crisis includes a plea for order from Syria's interior ministry, which attributed the conflict's escalation to its absence and acknowledged the abduction of a Druze merchant as a catalyst. Israel has asserted its objective of demilitarizing not only Suweida but also several neighboring regions, citing security threats from extremist factions.
As the situation unfolds, both domestic actors and foreign stakeholders remain focused on finding a path toward stability amidst humanitarian and geopolitical challenges.
Reports from the Syrian state news agency Sana indicate that government forces are withdrawing from Suweida as part of an agreement with local religious leaders. This follows the arrival of Syrian military personnel in the city for the first time since Sunni Islamist groups gained prominence in the region. Despite assurances from the government, local minority groups remain anxious about their safety amid recurring sectarian violence.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz communicated on social media that military actions would persist until conditions improve for the Druze community. Eyewitness accounts from people in Suweida cite chaos and fear as Israeli airstrikes struck major targets, with significant civilian areas affected.
Additionally, humanitarian conditions in Suweida have reportedly deteriorated sharply, with shortages of medical supplies and rampant violence disrupting lives. The Syrian Health Ministry reported intervention forces finding multiple casualties in a local hospital where artillery and sniper fire had caused earlier havoc.
The backdrop of this crisis includes a plea for order from Syria's interior ministry, which attributed the conflict's escalation to its absence and acknowledged the abduction of a Druze merchant as a catalyst. Israel has asserted its objective of demilitarizing not only Suweida but also several neighboring regions, citing security threats from extremist factions.
As the situation unfolds, both domestic actors and foreign stakeholders remain focused on finding a path toward stability amidst humanitarian and geopolitical challenges.
