Israeli Strike Kills 15 Syrian Government Troops, Says Rights Monitor

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on Wednesday that at least 15 personnel from Syria's Ministry of Defense and Interior were killed in recent Israeli airstrikes. The attacks come amid deadly clashes between Druze forces, Bedouin tribes, and Syrian government troops in the southern province of Sweida.

On Wednesday, the Israeli military launched a series of airstrikes targeting Syrian state infrastructure, including facilities linked to the Ministry of Defense in Damascus. Israeli officials claimed the strikes were intended to protect Syria's Druze minority, who have been engaged in fierce clashes with regime forces.

The U.S. State Department has called on the Syrian government to de-escalate by withdrawing its military forces from Sweida. In response, Syria's Ministry of Defense announced that army units have begun withdrawing from the province.

Following the withdrawal, Al Arabiya reported that a temporary ceasefire has been established in Sweida. However, hours later, explosions were heard near Jableh in western Syria after another round of airstrikes, suggesting that stability remains fragile.

Regional powers, including Saudi Arabia and Turkey, have condemned Israel's strikes on Syria. Former Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Israel's attacks aim to fragment Syria and represent a broader threat to regional stability.

Since Sunday, more than 350 people have been killed in the escalating conflict. The UK-based monitoring group, citing field sources, reported that the dead include 79 Druze-affiliated fighters, 18 Bedouin combatants, and 189 government troops. The violence marks one of the deadliest escalations in Sweida in recent years.

At least 55 civilians have also been reported killed, including 27 who were allegedly executed on the spot by government forces. The humanitarian toll has sparked renewed concern over the conduct of the Syrian army and the intensifying civil conflict in the region.

Among the victims is journalist Hassan al-Zoubi, who was reportedly shot and killed while covering the unrest in Sweida. The Syrian Journalists Union confirmed his death and blamed“illegal armed groups” for targeting him during his professional duty.

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