“Demilitarization of Suwayda”: Israel Strikes Syrian Troops

The Israeli Defense Forces have struck Syrian government troops deployed in Suwayda to quell fighting between Druze and local Sunni Bedouins.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the strikes against Syrian troops.

The Israeli government ordered strikes on “regime forces and weapons that have been deployed in the Suwayda area,” which, according to Netanyahu, “contradicts the adopted demilitarization policy, which prohibits the deployment of forces and weapons in southern Syria that threaten Israel.”

“Israel is committed to preventing harm to the Druze in Syria because of its commitment to the deep fraternal bond with our Druze citizens in Israel and their family and historical ties to the Druze in Syria. We are acting to prevent them from being harmed by the Syrian regime and to ensure the demilitarization of the area adjacent to our border with Syria,” the statement added.

Local residents recorded Israeli fighter jets flying over the city and reported a series of air strikes on several Syrian military targets, including military equipment and tanks.

Later, the Israeli Defense Forces press service reported that several tanks were spotted in the area between a-Sijin and Samaa, moving toward Suwayda in southern Syria. Israeli aircraft attacked the tanks to prevent their arrival in the area.

It was noted that the reason for the strikes was the threat of the presence of this equipment to the Israeli state.

“The Israeli Defense Forces will not allow a military threat to exist in southern Syria and will act against it,” the press release said.

The Israeli strikes were preceded by the entry of Syrian government troops into the city of Suwayda on July 15, where the Druze community is predominantly located.

The Syrian Ministry of Defense confirmed the deployment of troops, claiming that the army’s intervention was aimed at stopping the bloodshed and disarming local Druze and Sunni Bedouin groups, between which bloody battles had been fought for several days before.

According to AFP, the clashes began after the abduction of a Druze merchant by Bedouins. After that, several other people were kidnapped.

According to the Syrian Ministry of Interior, more than 30 people were killed and at least 100, including women and children, were injured in the violence that erupted over a series of armed clashes. On Monday morning, army units were attacked by armed groups. Eighteen soldiers were reportedly killed, while others were wounded or captured.

In response to this, which the Ministry called a “serious threat to public security,” the Syrian government announced a coordinated deployment of internal security forces and military units across Suwayda.

A curfew was imposed in the city to stop the violence. The Syrian Ministry of Defense urged people to “stay at home and report any movements of criminal groups”.

As of 11:40 a.m. on July 15, Syrian Defense Minister Major General Merhief Abu Kasra announced a ceasefire that was reached following negotiations with authoritative representatives and leaders of the city.

“All military units in Suwayda have been ordered to cease fire. At the same time, in case of attacks by illegal armed groups, fire will be returned only at the sources of fire,” the head of the department clarified.