Israel has deployed forces to southern Syria following a series of major airstrikes that have escalated regional tensions and drawn widespread international condemnation.
On Friday night, Israeli fighter jets conducted what has been described as the largest air attack against Syria this year, targeting over 20 sites across six provinces. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that 12 fighter jets were involved in the operation, hitting key infrastructure including anti-aircraft cannons and a surface-to-air missile launcher.
The IDF stated that these actions aim to “eliminate any threat in the area” and emphasized their commitment to safeguarding Israel’s security. “We will continue to operate with intensity and determination against any attempt to harm our citizens,” the IDF said in a statement.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the bombardment was the most intense of the year, with strikes impacting areas such as Mount Qasioun, Barzeh, and Harasta in Rural Damascus. Dozens of people were injured, though the full extent of casualties remains unclear.
In a related development, an Israeli Air Force helicopter delivered aid to the Druze-majority province of Suwayda in southern Syria. According to Israeli media, 15 Druze Syrians were evacuated to Israel for medical treatment in recent days. The Israeli government claims that the Druze community requested assistance amid deadly clashes with pro-government forces, which have reportedly left over 100 people dead.
Despite Israel’s assertions of aiding the Druze community, Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt called on the Druze in Syria to reject “Israeli interference” in their internal affairs. “Preserving the Druze brothers in Syria involves rejecting Israeli interference,” Jumblatt stated after meeting with Druze figures in Beirut to discuss the sectarian violence.
The airstrikes have been met with swift condemnation from the international community. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres criticized the attacks, particularly those near Syria’s presidential palace in Damascus, urging Israel to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “It is essential that these attacks stop,” said UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.
UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen also called for an immediate cessation of Israeli attacks, emphasizing the need for de-escalation in the region.
Saudi Arabia condemned the airstrikes, reiterating its “firm rejection of Israeli attacks” that violate Syria’s sovereignty, security, and stability. The Arab League echoed these sentiments, calling on the international community to confront what it described as “repeated violations committed by Israel against the Syrian state.”
Iraq’s Foreign Ministry expressed its “categorical rejection” of Israeli actions, stating that such attacks threaten Syria’s security and stability.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, condemned the strikes “in the strongest terms,” accusing Israel of attempting to “destroy Syria’s defense, economic, and infrastructure capabilities.” Baghaei called for “immediate and effective action by the international community” to halt Israel’s “aggression” against Syria.
The situation remains tense as regional and global powers watch closely. The international community continues to call for restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation.
