Israel Launches 'Massive' Strikes on Syria, Hits Military Headquarters

Israel bombed Damascus, Syria on Wednesday, hitting the Syrian defense ministry and near the presidential palace as it demanded the new Syrian government withdraw its forces attacking Druze communities in southern Syria.

The Details: UK-based war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported over 200 have been killed this week in Syria’s Druze region in conflict against government forces and members of Bedouin tribes. Reuters (Center bias) wrote that its reporters “heard warplanes swoop low over” Damascus “and unleash a series of massive strikes.” Syria’s Health Ministry said the strikes in Damascus wounded 13.

For Context: Since the December coup of former President Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s interim Islamist President Ahmed al-Sharaa has struggled to unite the country. In March, hundreds of civilians in western Syria, including religious minorities like Alawites and Christians, were killed in sectarian killings and clashes. In late June, an ISIS affiliate killed 25 Christians in a church bombing in Damascus.

Druze Faith: Druze developed from Isma'ilism, a branch of Shia Islam, though according to Wikipedia, Druze do not identify as Muslims. Syria is home to the world’s largest Druze population, with Israel and Lebanon having significant populations as well.

Key Quote: Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel “will continue to operate vigorously in Sweida to destroy the forces that attacked the Druze until they withdraw completely.”

How The Media Covered It: Outlets across the spectrum noted the sectarian killings in March and the new government’s ongoing struggles. Reuters described Druze as “an offshoot of Islam.” Fox News (Right) included details on how Druze are intertwined with the Israeli state. Fox noted the Druze hold “key” Israeli military positions and “unlike other minorities in Israel… are not exempt from conscripted military service.” The New York Times (Lean Left) wrote that Druze make up 3% of Syria’s population and gave context on the ongoing attempts by the new Syrian government to integrate them deeper into the Syrian bureaucracy so they can secure control “over the entire country.”

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