Israel Launches Strikes Against Syrian Forces Amid Sectarian Clashes 

Israel launched strikes on Syrian military tanks in southern Syria’s Sweida province on Monday, as Damascus deployed troops to the region to quell another deadly outbreak of sectarian clashes between the Druze minority and Sunni Bedouin tribes, the Washington Post reported. 

On Monday, the Israeli military said it targeted tanks deployed by the Syrian army, which had begun operations in Sweida that morning to restore order following fighting that erupted on Sunday. 

The violence began over the weekend when armed Bedouins ambushed and robbed a Druze vegetable seller, triggering a cycle of tit-for-tat kidnappings between the two communities. 

Tensions escalated when security forces – accused by Druze leaders of siding with Bedouin militias – engaged in clashes with local armed groups in Sweida city.  

Syrian officials said more than 30 people were killed and nearly 100 injured in the unrest.  

However, the United Kingdom-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights estimated at least 99 fatalities, including two children and 14 security personnel, according to the Associated Press. 

Prominent Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri accused the Syrian military of entering Druze areas “under the pretext of protection” but instead bombarded border villages and aiding extremist groups. 

Syrian government officials rejected claims that the clashes were sectarian in nature. They told AP that the conflict is “between the state and bandits and criminals, not between the state and any Syrian community.” 

Meanwhile, the government did not comment on the Israeli strikes or provide the number of casualties. But observers said Monday’s strike marks the latest direct Israeli intervention aimed at protecting Syria’s Druze minority. 

Since the ouster of long-time President Bashar Assad in December, violence between Syria’s various ethnic and religious groups has significantly increased. 

In May, Israel struck a site near the presidential palace in the capital, Damascus, a move widely interpreted as a warning to the new Syrian leadership following earlier clashes between Druze fighters and pro-government forces. 

Israeli officials previously warned that they would not tolerate Syrian military deployments south of Damascus and would act to protect the Druze, a religious minority with communities in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. 

In Israel, the community is seen as loyal and its members often serve in the armed forces, the AP said. 

The ongoing clashes and Israel’s response underscore the challenges facing the administration of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, particularly in integrating minority armed factions – such as the Druze and Kurds – into the new Syrian military. 

While many Druze oppose Israeli intervention on their behalf, the group also remains deeply suspicious of the new government and al-Sharaa – himself a former jihadist with past affiliations to al Qaeda.