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Israel conducted a strike near the presidential palace in Damascus, the Syrian capital. Benjmin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister, made the declaration early on Friday. This follows through on Israel’s pledge to safeguard the Druze community.
The Recent Airstrikes
The recent airstrike marks the second time in as many days that Israel has targeted Syria. This ongoing campaign aligns with their commitment to defend members of a minority group. Last week, the Druze were involved in sectarian clashes with Sunni militants.
The Druze Community in the Middle East
Adherents to the Druze faith, an offshoot of Islam, reside in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. This ancient faith emphasizes monotheism and the divine unity.
The strikes underscore Israel’s deep-seated suspicion towards Sunni Islamists who overthrew Bashar al-Assad in December. These ongoing conflicts present a considerable obstacle to interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s efforts to assert control over the fragmented nation.
Netanyahu’s Statements and Military Confirmation
“Israel carried out a strike last night near the presidential palace in Damascus,” Netanyahu stated in conjunction with Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. “This act serves as a clear message to the Syrian regime: We will not permit Syrian forces to advance south of Damascus or pose any threat to the Druze community.”
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike, specifying that it targeted “an area adjacent to the presidential palace in Damascus,” and declined to specify the exact target. Syria’s authorities had not responded immediately to the incident.
Since the overthrow of Assad in December, Israel has taken control of territory in the southwest, pledged to protect the Druze people, urged Washington to maintain Syria’s weakness, and destroyed much of the Syrian army’s heavy weaponry in the aftermath of his ousting.
The Power Struggle in Syria
Sharaa, previously an al-Qaida commander who distanced himself from the group in 2016, has consistently pledged to govern Syria inclusively. However, recent incidents of sectarian violence, such as the March killings of hundreds of Alawites, have intensified minorities’ fears regarding the now-dominant Islamist factions.
The Sectarian Violence This Week
This week’s sectarian unrest began on Tuesday following altercations between Druze and Sunni fighters in the predominantly Druze enclave of Jaramana. These clashes erupted due to a voice recording that insulted the Prophet Mohammad; Sunni militants suspected a Druze individual had created it.
More than a dozen fatalities were reported on Tuesday, with the violence subsequently spreading to Sahnaya, a largely Druze town on the outskirts of Damascus, the following day.
The Significance of Israeli Raids
- Israeli military operations in Syria underscore the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.
- The raids also give a glimpse into Israel’s strategy to maintain its security.
- The strikes serve as a cautionary reminder to all players in the region of Israel’s willingness to act decisively.
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