Israel Bombs Syria Army HQ Amid Sectarian Clashes in Druze-Majority Sweida

Israel has bombed Syria’s military and defense ministry headquarters in Damascus amid deadly sectarian clashes in the Druze-majority city of Sweida. There, nearly 250 people have been killed in fighting between Druze and Bedouin groups.

Syrian government forces entered Sweida on Tuesday with the stated aim of overseeing a ceasefire agreed with Druze community leaders after clashes with local Bedouin tribes left more than 100 people dead.

However, witnesses reported that the government forces joined with the Bedouin in attacking Druze fighters and civilians.

The Israeli government, citing its commitment to protecting Druze communities, warned Syria to withdraw its forces from the area and “leave the Druze in Sweida alone.”