Israel Attacks Near Damascus Under the Pretext of Protecting Syrian Druze

Damascus (Quds News Network)- Israel attacked Syrian security forces near Damascus on Wednesday, claiming it acted to protect the Syrian Druze. The Israeli military claimed a drone targeted ‘armed groups preparing to attack Druze communities’ in the town of Sahnaya, south of the capital.

The attack killed at least one Syrian security officer and injured others, according to Syria’s Interior Ministry. Israeli officials called the strike a warning to the Syrian government.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a joint statement, “Israel expects the Syrian regime to act and stop any threat to the Druze”. The statement and attacks were widely viewed as a blatant interference in Syria’s internal affairs.

Syrian authorities condemned the attack and confirmed that Israeli drones struck security posts in Sahnaya twice since early morning. Later, another Israeli drone fired a missile at a gathering of Syrian forces near the town, wounding several.

Syrian state media reported at least seven Israeli airstrikes since sunrise. Explosions were heard across Damascus and its outskirts.

Al Jazeera said three security facilities in Sahnaya were hit by Israeli airstrikes. Syrian fighter jets and drones were later seen patrolling the skies.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Interior Ministry confirmed that 16 General Security officers were killed in a separate attack on a building in Ashrafiya Sahnaya. The ministry said it had blocked armed reinforcements from entering the town before the attack.

The ministry had announced a large-scale operation to arrest armed outlaws. It pledged to “strike with an iron fist” against anyone who threatens public safety.

Deadly clashes also erupted Tuesday in the nearby Druze-majority neighborhood of Jaramana. The fighting followed the circulation of a voice clip allegedly by a Druze Sheikh, insulting the Prophet Muhammad, which sparked outrage and violence. The ministry confirmed several casualties and imposed a security lockdown on the area.

Israel’s actions stirred criticism for interfering in Syria’s internal affairs. Its military said it continues to monitor developments closely. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir ordered troops to prepare for further strikes.

Druze spiritual leader in Israel, Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, called on Israel to interfere. However, a delegation of Syrian Druze leaders from Suwayda, including religious sheikhs and the governor, arrived in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya to help ease tensions.

The Syrian Interior Ministry urged residents in affected areas to stay indoors and report any armed activity. Security forces remain deployed across Sahnaya and Jaramana.