New Delhi, Jul 17: Syrian government forces began withdrawing from the southern city of Suwayda following a tentative ceasefire deal with Druze militias after days of intense clashes. The move came hours after Israeli airstrikes hit Damascus, targeting government installations in a sharp escalation of regional tensions.
At least three people were killed in the strikes on the Syrian capital, which Israel said were carried out in support of the country’s Druze population, an Arab minority group caught in violent confrontations with pro-government forces.
The Syrian government confirmed that troops began leaving Suwayda following an agreement with local Druze leadership. Despite the truce efforts, the humanitarian toll remains severe. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, as reported by CNN, at least 169 people have been killed and more than 200 injured in recent days. The violence included Israeli airstrikes, shelling, and reported extrajudicial killings.
In Damascus, the Israeli strikes targeted several government buildings, including the Ministry of Defence. Israeli officials confirmed the operations, saying they also struck areas near the presidential palace. CNN reported that the United States has been actively engaging with all sides to defuse tensions and broker a ceasefire. The Syrian government announced it had reached a new agreement with Druze leaders, though some factions within the community rejected it, casting doubt on its durability.
The situation has drawn international concern. The United Nations and several regional powers, including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, condemned the Israeli strikes. Iran described the attacks as “unhinged aggression.” European Union leaders also urged restraint and respect for Syria’s sovereignty. In Suwayda, media reported that residents are facing severe disruptions in basic services, including power outages, limited communication access, and water shortages. The violence follows a wave of unrest after the fall of the Assad regime late last year and has further complicated the fragile political and security landscape in Syria.
