The Israeli military confirmed a series of airstrikes targeting Syrian tanks and armored vehicles near the village of Sami, in the southern province of Suwayda, marking a rare direct attack on the military assets of Syria’s new government led by Ahmed Al-Sharaa.

The strikes come amid a surge in sectarian violence in Suwayda, where Druze militias, Bedouin tribal fighters, and government forces have clashed in recent days. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 89 people have been killed, including children, women, and security personnel, with over 200 injured.

Israel stated the operation aimed to prevent the arrival of Syrian tanks to conflict zones near Druze communities, citing concerns over potential threats to its borders and to the Druze population in Syria. Defense Minister Israel Katz said the strikes were a “clear warning” to the Syrian regime and reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to protecting Druze civilians.

The clashes erupted following a robbery and kidnapping incident on the Damascus–Suwayda highway, which triggered a cycle of retaliatory abductions and armed confrontations between Druze and Bedouin factions.

Fighting has spread to Kanaker, Tha’la, Mazra’a, and other villages, with reports of mortar fire, drone strikes, and burned homes. The Syrian government has deployed Interior Ministry and Defense units, including tanks and UAVs, to contain the violence.

The General Security Service, normally tasked with intelligence operations, has become an active combatant after six of its officers were killed in an ambush. The Ministry of Education postponed national exams due to the unrest.

Druze spiritual leaders, including Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, have called for international protection, accusing government forces of siding with extremist militias and shelling civilian areas.

Israel’s involvement follows its stated policy of demilitarizing southern Syria, especially after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Since then, Tel Aviv has conducted hundreds of airstrikes to prevent military assets from falling into the hands of the new regime.

The situation remains volatile, with displacement increasing, sectarian tensions deepening, and fears of a regional spillover mounting.

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