Syrian president reacts defiantly to Israeli strikes on Damascus
Acting President of Syria Ahmed al-Sharaa (Photo: video screenshot)
The Syrian authorities will not allow the Druze minority to be drawn into the hands of an external force, and the Syrian people are not afraid of war, states acting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
He called protecting the Druze citizens and their rights a priority for Syria.
In his first televised address following the powerful Israeli airstrikes on Damascus on Wednesday, al-Sharaa spoke directly to the Druze minority.
“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,” he said.
The Syrian leader also added that Syria is not one to fear war.
“The Syrian people are not afraid of war and are ready to fight if their dignity is threatened,” emphasized the interim president.
Israeli strikes on Damascus
On Wednesday, July 16, Israeli forces launched a powerful attack on Syria’s capital, Damascus.
The shelling destroyed buildings of the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff. The media also reported damage to the presidential palace.
The strike was prompted by clashes between Bedouin tribes and local Druze in Syria’s Sweida province, which resulted in 30 deaths.
Jerusalem decided to protect the Druze minority with these strikes, as many Druze serve in the Israeli army and are considered loyal citizens.
The Israeli government declared its intention to destroy Syrian government forces that attack this minority in southern Syria.
Following the strikes, the Druze community and Syrian government troops agreed to a ceasefire.
