Syria Clashes Ignite as Ceasefire Collapses, Israel Threatens Escalation

Druze Community Caught in Crossfire Amidst Shifting Power Dynamics

Fierce fighting erupted in Sweida on Wednesday as a fragile ceasefire between Syrian government forces and local Druze militias dissolved, drawing a stern warning from Israel about potential escalation in support of the minority sect.

Government Blames Militias for Ceasefire Breach

Syria’s Defense Ministry accused armed groups in Sweida of initiating hostilities, forcing army soldiers to retaliate and resume military operations within the Druze-majority province. The ministry stated forces are responding to gunfire while prioritizing civilian safety and facilitating the return of displaced residents.

A recent rebel takeover in Damascus following a protracted civil war has left the new Sunni Muslim leadership struggling to assert control. This has heightened anxieties among religious and ethnic minorities, particularly after sectarian violence in March led to numerous civilian deaths among the Alawite community.

Escalating Violence Follows Localized Disputes

The current unrest originated from retaliatory kidnappings and attacks between Sunni Bedouin tribes and Druze armed groups in the southern province. Government intervention to quell these clashes has reportedly devolved into confrontations with the Druze, with accusations of extrajudicial killings, looting, and property destruction by security forces.

While official casualty figures from Monday cited 30 deaths, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported over 250 fatalities by Wednesday morning, including children, women, and numerous soldiers. The observatory also noted at least 21 summary executions.

Israel has conducted airstrikes against Syrian government convoys, explicitly stating its intention to protect the Druze population. The Druze, an offshoot of Ismailism, represent a significant portion of Syria’s population, with most living in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, including the occupied Golan Heights.

Israel Pledges Increased Intervention

The Druze are considered a loyal minority in Israel, often serving in the military. Within Syria, their community is divided, with some seeking integration into the new government structure while others advocate for autonomy and remain wary of Damascus authorities.

Israeli Defense Minister **Israel Katz** declared, “The Israeli army will continue to attack regime forces until they withdraw from the area — and will also soon raise the bar of responses against the regime if the message is not understood.” Prime Minister **Benjamin Netanyahu** affirmed Israel’s commitment to maintaining a demilitarized border zone and safeguarding Druze inhabitants.

Since the change in Syrian leadership, Israel has adopted a robust stance, aiming to prevent Islamist militants from operating near its borders. Israeli forces have occupied a buffer zone in Syria and carried out numerous airstrikes targeting military installations.

The ongoing conflict has had a severe impact on the region’s infrastructure. According to the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, damage to power grids has affected an estimated 500,000 people in southern Syria (OCHA, 2024).