As forces loyal to the interim government in Damascus entered the Suwayda city, varying statements are coming from Druze spiritual leaders.
Hikmet El Hicri, an influential spiritual leader of the Druze community, stated that the declaration approving the entry of Damascus forces into the city was signed under pressure and that they did not accept the city being turned into a war zone. El Hicri said, “We do not accept anything written on our behalf that we do not believe in. The published declaration was prepared under intense pressure. From this day forward, we will not recognize any voice that does not reflect our true stance.”
On the other hand, the interim government’s defense minister announced on his X account that a complete ceasefire had been declared in Suwayda. Clashes resumed in the morning when Syrian forces entered the city.
The use of force by Syrian forces to enter the city is considered a violation of the related agreement.
In the meantime, Israel carried out airstrikes targeting Syrian forces in the city.
As the situation in the city remains complicated, the Israeli army was ordered to strike targets belonging to Damascus forces. Immediately afterwards, a new air strike was carried out in Suwayda.
In addition, according to a statement by the Israeli army spokesman, Syrian military convoys containing tanks, armored personnel carriers, and multiple rocket launchers were spotted moving toward the Suwayda mountain region on Monday evening. In response, the Israeli military struck the vehicles and several access routes, preventing their deployment. The army stated that it remains on high alert, continues to monitor the situation, and is preparing for potential escalation scenarios.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a joint statement justifying the attacks as necessary to prevent any attacks on the Druze community in Syria, emphasizing the deep familial, historical, and social ties between the Druze in Syria and Druze citizens in Israel.
The statement said, “Israel is determined to prevent the Syrian regime from harming this community and to implement its policy of demilitarization in southern Syria.”
Source: ANF News
