Israel Launches Airstrikes Near Damascus, Claims Protection of Druze People
Analysts noted that the Israeli justification aligns with its long-standing practice of weaponizing Druze identity for geopolitical purposes, particularly in the occupied Golan Heights
Syria, PUREWILAYAH.COM - On Wednesday, Israeli forces launched a series of airstrikes on the outskirts of the Syrian capital, Damascus, reportedly aiming to thwart an imminent threat against the country’s Druze population.
The strikes focused on areas near Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, a town southwest of Damascus, where recent clashes have erupted between armed Druze groups and Syrian security forces.
Official Justification: Protection of Druze Civilians
A spokesperson for the Israeli military stated that the operation was intended to prevent an attack by an "extremist group" allegedly planning to target Druze civilians in Sahnaya.
Channel 14 confirmed that four separate Israeli Air Force strikes were carried out, describing them as a “message about the necessity of protecting the Druze.”
Top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Security Minister Israel Katz, echoed the same narrative, calling on the Syrian government to take responsibility for protecting its Druze population.
Criticism: Weaponizing Druze Identity
Analysts noted that the Israeli justification aligns with its long-standing practice of weaponizing Druze identity for geopolitical purposes, particularly in the occupied Golan Heights, where the majority-Druze population has consistently rejected Israeli annexation and maintained loyalty to Syria.
Drone Site and Weapons Cache Targeted
A military source later revealed that the Israeli airstrikes targeted a drone launch site and weapons cache operated by Syria's Ministry of Defense in the Daraya orchards, west of Damascus.
Another source confirmed that Israeli drones were used in the attack and that at least two individuals were killed. Additional UAVs were reportedly spotted entering Syrian airspace from the occupied Golan, heading south toward active confrontation lines.
Syrian Response: Security Operation in Sahnaya
In response to the rising instability, a Syrian Interior Ministry official described the wider government action in Sahnaya as part of a broader effort to reassert state authority amid growing violence from autonomous armed groups.
Syria’s state news agency SANA quoted the Rural Damascus Security Director, who stated that the security operation in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya had concluded, and that General Security forces were now deployed to “ensure the restoration of security and stability.”
Despite official statements, the situation on the ground remains tense, with ongoing reports of violence and direct clashes between armed Druze factions and Syrian government forces. (PW)
Source: Al-Mayadeen