Sectarian Clashes Spread Around Syria’s Capital, Drawing In Israel

Israel has become involved in the sectarian violence in Syria by launching airstrikes and issuing threats to strike Syrian government forces amid clashes with fighters from the Druse minority.

The Israeli military targeted a group of “operatives” south of Damascus, accusing them of attacking Druse civilians. The airstrikes came after violent clashes broke out between pro-government fighters and Druse militiamen near Ashrafieh Sahnaya.

The violence has resulted in at least 37 deaths over two days, with concerns rising among Syria’s diverse ethnic and religious minorities about potential persecution under the new Islamist leadership.

The clashes began after an audio clip circulated on social media, allegedly showing a Druse cleric insulting the Prophet Muhammad. However, the cleric denied the accusation, and initial findings suggested he was not the person in the clip.

The unrest started in Jaramana, a predominantly Druse city, and later spread to Ashrafieh Sahnaya where Druse fighters clashed with government forces and proxy militias.

The Syrian state news agency reported armed gunmen attacking government checkpoints in Ashrafieh Sahnaya, likely referring to the Druse fighters.

Israel issued warnings and conducted airstrikes against what it deemed as an “extremist group” targeting the Druse minority in Syria. Israel has a significant Druse community and has offered protection to Syrian Druse amid the ongoing power transition.

Syria, predominantly Sunni Muslim, faces challenges integrating various armed groups post-Assad’s ouster. Sectarian violence has erupted multiple times, raising concerns among minority groups about potential marginalization.

Since Assad’s overthrow, Israel has conducted numerous incursions in Syria to prevent hostile groups from obtaining weapons and establishing a presence near its borders.

Syria’s new leaders are working to integrate armed groups into the state apparatus, including negotiating with strong Druse militias about their potential integration into the national army.

Sectarian violence has also affected Syria’s coastal region, home to the Alawite minority, triggering fears of further instability and targeting of minority groups.