The latest unrest began brewing in April and May after Druze militias clashed with security forces, leaving more than 100 people dead in Sweida.
Sharaa said "outlaw groups", whose leaders "rejected dialogue for many months" had committed "crimes against civilians" in recent days, and vowed an investigation and accountability.
Rubio deal
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had expressed concern on Wednesday about the Israeli bombings, and later announced on X that all sides had "agreed on specific steps that will bring this troubling and horrifying situation to an end".
"This will require all parties to deliver on the commitments they have made and this is what we fully expect them to do," he wrote, without elaborating on the nature of the agreement.
The southern Syrian province of Sweida had become the epicenter of a rapidly intensifying conflict, as government forces reportedly carried out military operations against local Druze factions. The violence has triggered widespread civilian casualties, international condemnation, and growing calls for intervention.
Humanitarian Emergency Unfolds
Medical staff at Sweida National Hospital have issued urgent appeals for international assistance, citing critical shortages of electricity, water, and food.
Eyewitness accounts describe looting, home invasions, and targeted killings, including the execution of Mr. Abdullah al-Baaini in front of his family and the death of 15 members of the Al-Radwan family, all civilians. The killing of 80-year-old Sheikh Marhej Shaheen, a respected Druze elder, has further inflamed tensions.
Druze Leadership and Global Appeals
Mufak Tarif, the Druze spiritual leader in Israel, declared the situation a "war of existence" for the Druze people. The Spiritual Presidency of the Druze Unitarian issued a rare international plea to leaders including Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump, the Saudi Crown Prince, and King Abdullah of Jordan, urging immediate action to protect Druze civilians.
Military Escalation and Cross-Border Implications
Israel had deployed three military companies to the Syrian border, with a fourth on standby. Israeli media reported airstrikes targeting Syrian regime positions, including convoys on the Damascus-Daraa highway, and the artillery battalion commander of Syria's 40th Division was reportedly killed near Daraa.
Three Syrian commanders, Khalid al-Zoubi, Abdel Fattah al-Musifra, and Abu Yaqoub Mohaja, were reportedly killed in Israeli airstrikes in Suwayda. Israeli officials have warned of further military escalation if the Syrian regime continues its campaign.
Technology and Tactical Deployment
Syrian security vehicles in Sweida have reportedly been equipped with Starlink satellite internet, raising concerns over coordinated digital warfare. Additionally, Turkish-made Shaheen drones have allegedly been deployed against Druze communities.
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
