Israeli air forces launched a strike near the Syrian presidential palace early Friday, following escalating tensions in Southern Syria. The attacks were prompted by clashes between pro-Syrian government gunmen and Druze fighters, resulting in numerous casualties. The Syrian presidency condemned the Israeli action, framing it as a threat to national security and calling for international support.
On the same day, Syrian Druze leaders criticized their government’s actions against minority communities, advocating for the Druze’s commitment to stay in Syria and urging authorities to manage local areas. Israeli officials described the strike as a warning against any threats to the Druze community, emphasizing that they would not permit military deployments near Damascus.
The unrest was initially sparked by an inflammatory audio clip attributed to a Druze cleric that angered many Sunni Muslims, leading to violent clashes. Reports indicate significant casualties in recent days, with around 99 deaths in the vicinity of Damascus.
Druze are a minority group largely based in Syria, with communities also in Lebanon and Israel, including Golan Heights.
Source link
