Israel announced on Wednesday that it conducted an operation in Syria against a group alleged to be threatening members of a minority religious sect, amid renewed confrontations resulting in at least 11 fatalities, with most being from the security forces.
The recent clashes occurred near Sahnaya, a town south of Damascus, just one day after intense fighting between pro-government militias and Druze combatants led to the deaths of 10 individuals in Jaramana, a suburb of the capital.
According to a statement by the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the military launched an operation aimed at an “extremist group” preparing to attack the Druze community in Sahnaya, although specific details of the operation were not disclosed. The statement also mentioned that a grave warning was communicated to the Syrian regime, with an expectation that it will take measures to protect the Druze community.
Earlier, on March 1st, Israel’s Defense Ministry revealed that its forces were instructed to be ready to defend Jaramana, stressing protection for the minority group they claim is under threat from Syrian forces.
The Druze, a religious sect that diverged from Ismailism, a Shiite Muslim branch, in the 10th century, are a relatively small community globally, with over half of the estimated 1 million Druze living in Syria. Others reside predominantly in Lebanon and Israel, including territories like the Golan Heights, which came under Israeli control and eventual annexation following the 1967 Mideast War.
Rayan Maarouf, the chief editor of Suwayda24, a Druze activist media platform, reported that clashes erupted Tuesday night when security forces attacked Ashrafiet Sahnaya. Maarouf indicated that they received numerous reports from residents about attacks on residential zones.
An announcement from the Syrian Information Ministry stated that 11 of the security forces were killed in two incidents, while others were injured, sparking the ensuing confrontations.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group, claimed that the death toll was 13, with 11 being security personnel and two Druze citizens of Sahnaya. They also indicated the movement of government reinforcements towards Sahnaya.
Correspondingly, the Progressive Socialist Party of Lebanon, the nation’s largest Druze political faction, noted that Walid Joumblatt, the former leader, had communication with political authorities in Damascus and other regional players, ultimately resulting in a ceasefire agreement.
Since President Bashar Assad was ousted in December, Israel has attempted to establish a demilitarized zone in southern Syria.
Netanyahu’s statement emphasized Israel’s dedication to safeguarding the Druze in Syria, underscoring the profound ties shared with their Druze counterparts within Israel.