Damascus: Syrian authorities have condemned what they describe as foreign interference following a series of Israeli airstrikes near Damascus, amid ongoing sectarian clashes in the country.
According to Syrian officials, at least four Israeli strikes targeted security forces in Ashrafieh Sahnaya, a predominantly Druze town, where fierce fighting had recently broken out.
A statement from Syria’s Foreign Ministry denounced all forms of foreign involvement in its internal affairs, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting all Syrians, including the Druze community. However, the ministry did not directly name Israel as the perpetrator.
Israel confirmed it had launched an air operation in Syria, claiming it was aimed at “extremist elements” responsible for violence against the Druze minority. The Israeli military said three Druze individuals were evacuated from Syria for medical care in Israel, as part of efforts to safeguard the group.
Tensions in the region escalated after deadly clashes between pro-government forces and members of the Druze military council, leaving dozens dead over two days. Syrian security forces launched operations to restore order, with reinforcements deployed to Ashrafieh Sahnaya. Reports from the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stated that 22 people, including security personnel and fighters, were killed on Wednesday alone.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the airstrikes a warning to Syria’s new interim leadership under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, urging action to protect the Druze. The Israeli military has since been instructed to prepare for further strikes if violence against the Druze continues.
Despite these developments, Syrian Druze leaders have reiterated their rejection of Israeli involvement and maintained their allegiance to a unified Syrian state. The unrest began in Jaramana after a controversial audio clip surfaced online, allegedly insulting the Prophet Muhammad and sparking clashes between Druze and Sunni residents. Druze spiritual leaders condemned the recording as a fabrication meant to provoke discord.
Since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in December, the new government—formed by former opposition fighters—has struggled to guarantee the safety of minority communities. Israel has increased its military actions in Syria, launching numerous airstrikes and deploying forces near the Golan Heights buffer zone.
The recent wave of violence has added to fears among minorities, particularly after last month’s bloody clashes between Alawite groups and security forces in Tartous and Latakia, which led to widespread killings.
Residents in Ashrafieh Sahnaya described a dire situation, with ongoing shelling and street battles confining many to their homes. One local, Elias Hanna, voiced fears of a repeat of previous massacres.
UN envoy Geir Pedersen and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres both expressed grave concern over the escalating violence, urging all parties to protect civilians and avoid stoking sectarian tensions. Meanwhile, Turkiye’s Foreign Ministry demanded Israel halt its military actions, warning that they threaten Syria’s fragile path toward unity and peace.
