US Distances Itself from Israeli Airstrikes on Syria Amid Regional Tensions
In a firm stance, the United States has distanced itself from the Israeli airstrikes on Syria, expressing clear displeasure over the recent attacks. The strikes hit Damascus and the south, demolishing parts of Syria’s military ministry and coming close to the presidential palace.
Israel said the bombings were meant to safeguard the Druze, a small but powerful sect that lives in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel.
Syria Accuses Israel of Destabilization
Ahmed al-Sharaa, the interim president of Syria, said that Israel was exploiting the Druze issue as an excuse to split the country. He said he would protect all Syrian nationals and criticised Israel for trying to make the area less stable.
He also suggested that the attacks were part of a bigger effort to destabilise Syria’s unity and make sectarian divides worse.
Washington Responds with Caution
Tammy Bruce, a spokesman for the U.S. State Department, said on Thursday that the U.S. does not support the Israeli airstrikes on Syria.
Bruce said, “We are actively working with both sides to stop things from getting worse.” She said that diplomatic conversations were still going on with both Syria and Israel, but she didn’t say anything about previous or future activities.
Rising Violence in Sweida
Fighting in the Druze-majority region of Sweida has escalated. Over 250 people have been killed in just four days, including civilians, medical workers, and children.
One local journalist reported 12 family members found dead in a single home. The Syrian Network for Human Rights confirmed widespread casualties, including reports of field executions.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned Israel, calling its actions “banditry” under the guise of protecting the Druze. He said Israel was attempting to sabotage the ceasefire Turkey had helped broker.
A joint statement from 11 Arab countries rejected foreign interference in Syria and reaffirmed support for its sovereignty and unity.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the Israeli airstrikes on Syria, citing a need to keep Syrian troops out of a demilitarized zone near Israel’s border.
He claimed the Syrian army was responsible for massacring Druze civilians and said Israel acted to stop the violence.
Even as Syrian troops were starting to leave Sweida, new fighting broke out between Bedouin fighters and Druze groups.
The fragile ceasefire is now under danger. figures and religious figures in Syria have advised both sides to be calm and not attack one other in retribution.
