Israel claims strike on Syrian army camps following alleged Druze attack

Israeli Air Strikes Target Syrian Army Camps

Israel’s military conducted air strikes on Syrian army camps overnight, according to a statement released by the Israeli military on Telegram. The strikes were reportedly in response to alleged attacks against the Druze community in Suwayda.

The Israeli military stated that the attacks occurred in response to yesterday’s events, which involved Druze civilians being attacked in the Suwayda area. The military claimed that it would not allow harm to come to the Druze population and would continue to take action for their protection.

Fighting broke out between government forces and fighters from local tribes against opposing Druze factions in the western countryside of Suwayda on Thursday, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The fighting began after mortar shells fell on areas under the control of Druze factions, which later hit residential neighborhoods in the city of Suwayda.

Syria’s state-run news agency SANA did not acknowledge the fighting or the Israeli attack. Violence first erupted in Suwayda on July 13 between Bedouin tribal fighters and Druze groups. Government forces were sent to quell the fighting, but the bloodshed worsened, leading to Israel conducting strikes on Syrian troops and bombing the capital Damascus.

The latest flare-up between Israel and Syria comes as tensions continue in the Middle East following recent attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa delivered a speech in Damascus on Friday, stating that he is working to maintain peace with neighboring countries.

Source: Al Jazeera