Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has reiterated that safeguarding the rights and well-being of Druze citizens is “our top priority.” This statement comes in the wake of Israel’s firm commitment to neutralize Syrian government forces targeting Druze in the southern region of the country.
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In his first public address following significant Israeli airstrikes in Damascus yesterday, Mr. Sharaa reached out to Druze citizens, stating, “We reject any attempt to drag you into the hands of an external party.” His resolve was clear as he emphasized, “We are not among those who fear the war. We have spent our lives facing challenges and defending our people, but we have put the interests of the Syrians before chaos and destruction.”
Mr. Sharaa conveyed a powerful message, saying that the Syrian people stand ready to defend their dignity if threatened. “We are not afraid of war,” he declared, demonstrating a commitment to unity among citizens in challenging times.
Amidst the turmoil, the army has reportedly started withdrawing from the Druze-majority city, reflecting a shifting landscape. Relations between Syria’s Islamist authorities—who recently overthrew long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in December—and the country’s diverse religious and ethnic minorities have been fraught. Critics argue that the new regime has failed to protect these communities adequately.
In a dramatic display of military prowess, Israel’s airstrikes struck key locations, including parts of Syria’s defense ministry and areas near the presidential palace, as they declared their intent to neutralize any government forces posing a threat to the Druze.
This escalation marks a stark shift in Israeli strategy against Mr. Sharaa’s administration, arriving despite his administration’s efforts to foster better ties with the U.S. and Israel. As Israel categorizes the new rulers of Syria as “barely disguised jihadists,” they maintain their commitment to protecting the Druze community, responding to pleas from their own Druze minority.
The United States has expressed optimism, remarking that the conflict will soon de-escalate. “We have engaged all the parties involved in the clashes in Syria. We have agreed on specific steps that will bring this troubling and horrifying situation to an end tonight,” stated Secretary of State Marco Rubio via social media.
In response to the violence, the United Nations Security Council is set to convene today to discuss the ongoing crisis. “The council must condemn the barbaric crimes committed against innocent civilians on Syrian soil,” asserted Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon. “Israel will continue to act resolutely against any terrorist threat on its borders, anywhere and at any time.”
According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, 169 people have died amid the recent violence, while security sources report a toll as high as 300.
Witnesses recounted harrowing scenes as warplanes targeted Damascus, with substantial devastation observed near the defense ministry. Columns of smoke filled the skies, and debris marked the ground where structures once stood. Eyal Zamir, Israel’s military chief of staff, emphasized, “We will not allow southern Syria to become a terror stronghold,” signaling a clear intent to act decisively against perceived threats.
Mr. Sharaa’s leadership is inherently challenged as he seeks to unify Syria amidst skepticism from segments of the population wary of Islamist governance. Tensions were exacerbated in March by mass killings within the Alawite minority, further complicating an already delicate situation.
Druze, an offshoot of Islam, are spread across Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, and Mr. Sharaa affirmed that “responsibility” for security in Sweida would be entrusted to local religious leaders and factions “based on the supreme national interest.” Historically, these areas were primarily controlled by the Druze community itself.
In acknowledging the Druze’s integral role in Syria, Mr. Sharaa stated, “Protecting your rights and freedom is one of our priorities.” This comes at a time when Israeli calls for Druze support in Syria have led some individuals to breach the border in solidarity with their compatriots.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also indicated that the Israeli military is taking steps to protect the Druze and has urged Israeli Druze citizens to refrain from crossing the border. Efforts are underway to ensure the safe return of civilians who have already done so, amidst feelings of helplessness expressed by individuals such as Israeli Druze Faez Shkeir, who lamented, “I don’t like to see them being killed… but I can’t do anything.”
As the situation evolves, it remains crucial for the international community to navigate these complexities with care and compassion.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
