Confronts intensified in the city of Sweida, southern Syria, on Wednesday, 16, after the collapse of a ceasefire between government forces and drauses, while Israel threatened to increase their involvement, saying to support the religious minority.
The Israeli army attacked near the Syrian Ministry of Defense in Damascus and raised the same place several hours later with a larger attack. Israel also launched a series of air strikes on trains of government forces in southern Syria since clashes broke out and reinforced their forces on the border.
The Syrian Ministry of Defense had previously blamed the militias in the area of majority Sweida Druse for violating a ceasefire agreement that had been reached on Tuesday, causing Syrian army soldiers to return. He said they were “adhering to the rules of engagement to protect residents, avoid damage and ensure the safe return of those who left the city back to their homes.”
Meanwhile, reports of civilian attacks continued to emerge with family members in the conflict zone desperately sought information about their destination amidst communications.
Israel’s Minister of Defense, Israel Katz, threatened to increase participation in defense of the Druses and said the Israeli army “will continue to attack the regime forces until they withdraw from the area.” Isralense Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has “a commitment to preserve the southwest region of Syria as an demilitarized area on the Israeli border” and “an obligation to protect the drauses.”
*This content has been translated with the aid of artificial intelligence tools and revised by the Estadão/Broadcast editorial team. Learn more in our AI policy.
