Israel strikes Syria's Suwayda as Arab tribes launch uprising
Photo: Israeli army targets areas inhabited by the Druze minority in Syria (Getty Images)
The Israeli army has once again carried out airstrikes on the city of As-Suwayda in southwestern Syria. Arab tribes have declared an uprising against the Druze militia al-Khidri and are taking control of the city, according to The Times of Israel.
According to Syrian media, the Israeli strikes are the first in these areas following the withdrawal of Syrian government forces from the region on the morning of July 17 after clashes with local militants.
The state-run Syrian news agency SANA reported that "Israeli occupation aircraft carried out a raid on the outskirts of Sweida city."
Arab tribal uprising
Meanwhile, Clash Report writes that dozens of Syrian tribes, particularly Bedouin groups, have launched an uprising in the region against the Israeli-backed Druze militia al-Khidri. The revolt was reportedly triggered by alleged atrocities committed by the militia against Arab tribes and residents.
Forty-one Syrian Arab tribes, including Aqidat, Baggara, Shammar, and Tayy, have declared full mobilization against the al-Khidri militia. They announced plans to liberate Suwayda from occupation and defend Syria’s territorial integrity.
"Chaos is spreading in Suwayda, as Israel-backed al-Khidri forces retreat toward the outskirts of the al-Qanawat district," the report stated.
It is also noted that armed Arab tribal forces are advancing through the western rural areas of Suwayda and have already reached the city’s entrance.
Escalation in Syria
The first clashes between government forces and units of the Druze minority, who previously controlled the region, broke out on Wednesday, July 16. Around 30 people were killed in the fighting.
That same day, the Israeli army launched strikes on Damascus, destroying buildings belonging to the General Staff and the Ministry of Defense, and damaging the presidential palace.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the strikes were aimed at protecting the Druze from pressure by the Syrian government.
Acting Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa rejected any attempts by Israel to involve the Druze minority in the interests of foreign powers.
