The Syrian regime’s brutal offensive on the Druze-majority region of As-Suwayda has triggered a spiraling regional crisis, drawing in Israel, collapsing a fragile ceasefire, and pushing the region to the brink of broader sectarian conflict.
More than 200 people have been killed since Sunday, including Druze civilians, regime troops, and Bedouin combatants, amid house burnings, torture, and summary executions allegedly carried out by forces aligned with Damascus and tribal militias. In response, Israel has launched a targeted military campaign in Syria aimed at protecting the embattled Druze minority and halting further escalation.
JOIN US ON TELEGRAM
Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.
Regime offensive: pincer movement and atrocities
Backed by Bedouin fighters, Syrian regime forces have intensified a two-front assault on As-Suwayda using a pincer strategy: from the southwest via Knakhir; and from the northwest via Al-Mazra’a
The encirclement attempt has resulted in street battles, widespread destruction, and horrifying footage circulating online of Druze civilians being humiliated and killed. Kyiv Post could not independently verify any of the footage.
Among the dead is Sheikh Marhaj Shaheen, 80, a revered Druze elder reportedly tortured by regime-aligned forces.
In a powerful statement, Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri condemned the offensive as a “war of extermination” and called for immediate international intervention to “save Suwayda.” He accused the government of violating the ceasefire announced just hours earlier by Syrian Defense Minister.
Trump Says in ‘Final Throes’ of Reaching Middle East Peace Deal
Israel responds: airstrikes and cross-border chaos
Israel, which maintains a deep historic and moral connection to the Druze people, launched a series of military operations:
- Precision airstrikes in Damascus, including the Syrian Ministry of Defense headquarters
- Targeted drone strikes in Suwayda and Daraa, eliminating regime commanders such as Muamar Ibrahim, artillery leader of Syria’s 40th Division
- Strikes on military convoys, tanks, and artillery systems deployed near Druze communities
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a firm warning to Damascus:
“Israel will not abandon the Druze. We demand full withdrawal of regime forces from Suwayda and the cessation of hostilities.”
An Israeli official confirmed that the goal is to enforce a de facto demilitarized zone in southern Syria, where Iranian militias and Assad’s army have repeatedly violated prior red lines.
Meanwhile, the border with Israel has turned chaotic.
Dozens of Syrian Druze attempted to cross into Israel near Hader, fleeing the violence. At the same time, Israeli Druze from Majdal Shams reportedly crossed into Syria to support relatives and resist the regime assault.
The IDF and Border Police are working to prevent unauthorized crossings and safely return Israeli citizens.
A community under siege
The Druze, a monotheistic religious minority with roots in 11th-century Ismaili Islam, are spread across Syria, Israel, and Lebanon. Though historically autonomous and politically pragmatic, the Syrian Druze have grown increasingly distrustful of the Islamist-led Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
The current wave of violence was reportedly triggered by the kidnapping of a Druze merchant, which ignited longstanding Bedouin-Druze tensions that regime forces are suspected of having exploited to justify an armed crackdown.
What followed, has been described by human rights monitors as a “collective punishment campaign.”
In Israel, the Druze are deeply integrated into society. They serve in the military, hold public office, and remain one of the country’s most loyal non-Jewish communities. Many have family in Suwayda, making the events deeply personal for Israeli Druze.
What’s next?
This crisis marks one of the most direct Israeli military interventions inside Syrian regime-held territory in recent years. By striking the heart of the military apparatus in Damascus, including a warning strike near the presidential palace, Israel signals that continued aggression against the Druze will carry heavy consequences.
The situation remains fluid and explosive. Regime reinforcements are reportedly en route to Suwayda, while IDF drones continue to patrol the skies over southern Syria. Israel may expand its military operations – risking a broader confrontation on its northern border.
The views expressed in this opinion article are the author’s and not necessarily those of Kyiv Post.
You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter
US strikes Iran after Apache helicopter downing
