A second day of unrest in Syria’s southern Suwayda province was marked by Israeli airstrikes on a Syrian military convoy, triggering widespread condemnation from Damascus and regional powers. The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the strikes as a “blatant violation” of the country’s sovereignty and international law.
According to a statement carried by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), Israeli aircraft launched a series of attacks Tuesday on military vehicles withdrawing from Suwayda. The strikes reportedly caused casualties among Syrian army personnel, internal security forces, and civilians. Damascus accused Israel of supporting “outlaw groups” and attempting to destabilize southern Syria by interfering in its internal affairs.
“The Syrian state retains the legitimate right to defend its people and land,” the ministry said, while urging the United Nations and the international community to condemn the attacks and prevent further escalation.
Israel Cites “Demilitarization Agreement”
In a joint statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz said the strikes were authorized in response to the movement of Syrian armored vehicles toward Suwayda, which they claimed violated the 1974 disengagement agreement between the two countries. The officials framed the attacks as a measure to protect members of the Druze community in Syria, referring to a “fraternal alliance” with Druze citizens in Israel.
Ankara and Damascus Push Back on Foreign Interference
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry condemned the Israeli strikes, calling them “unacceptable” and a threat to regional stability. In a statement published by Anadolu Agency, Ankara said the use of military force undermines efforts to achieve peace in Syria and increases the risk of broader conflict. The ministry reiterated its support for Syria’s territorial integrity and endorsed the Syrian government’s efforts to regain control of all regions.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry echoed those sentiments, calling on residents of Suwayda, particularly within the Druze community, to reject any effort to divide or weaken the national fabric. “Southern Syria will remain part of the unified national territory, resistant to division despite all aggressive attempts,” the ministry stated.
Mounting Regional Concern
The renewed violence has drawn attention beyond Syria’s borders. Qatar welcomed efforts to de-escalate tensions, while Germany expressed concern over the rise in violence and called for restraint from all sides. Local sources in Suwayda reported that Israeli aircraft conducted four separate strikes Tuesday on the city’s outskirts, targeting roadways believed to be used by Syrian military units during their withdrawal.
With military activity and diplomatic tensions rising, the situation in Suwayda highlights the risks posed by external interventions in a transitional security environment. Syrian authorities maintain that restoring order within their borders remains a domestic issue—and one they intend to resolve without foreign interference.
