Following demonstrations of the Druze minority in Israel, demanding government action to protect the Druze of Syria against alleged persecution,[59] Israel launched airstrikes in support of the Druze.[60][61][62]
In February 2025, local sources in Syria'sQuneitra Governorate reported toAl Arabiya alleging that that the IDF had extended "tempting offers" of employment opportunities to residents of Syria.[65]
Druze factions in Syria are divided in their approach to the new authorities, ranging from cautious to outright rejection.[66][67][68] In March 2025, Bahaa al-Jamal, a Druze commander in Suwayda, stated thatmassacres of Syrian Alawites by pro-government Islamist fighters had led to insecurity for other minorities, but the Druze had significant military capabilities with "thousands of military personnel" and the right to defend themselves if confronted by government forces.[69]
Tensions continued in late April 2025 after the spread of an offensive audio recording allegedly containingblasphemous content against the ProphetMuhammad, allegedly attributed to a Druze scholar named Marwan Kiwan, who disavowed it.[70]
On 28 February 2025, unidentified armed individuals fired upon a vehicle carrying Druze civilians traveling on a road leading toDamascus International Airport within Jaramana. Two elderly individuals suffered injuries in this attack, and were both hospitalized. In response to these incidents, theGeneral Security Service initiated a comprehensive security operation throughout Jaramana beginning on 28 February. Security forces reinforced positions at city entry points and deployed substantial personnel numbers around Jaramana to pursue suspected individuals considered responsible for the violence. Reports indicated that security forces intended to storm into Jaramana.[71]
On 1 March, clashes broke out betweenSyrian caretaker government forces and local Druze armed groups responsible for community protection in Jaramana, during the security operation launched bySyrian authorities on the suburb. Members of theJaramana Shield Brigade were involved in the clashes. During a violent altercation which erupted in Al-Seuof Square between two General Security Service members and local armed residents, one local gunman sustained serious injuries, requiring hospitalization, while authorities took the two security personnel into custody.[63][71]
In the clash at Al-Seuof Square, the wounded local gunman was taken to Al-Mujtahed Hospital for medical treatment. ButHay'at Tahrir al-Sham militants arrived at the hospital where the situation escalated when one of the wounded man's escorts allegedly madeblasphemous remarks aboutAllah. This prompted members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham present at the hospital to physically assault and subsequently detain the companions,[71] resulting in one confirmed fatality among security forces.[72]
The incidents began inJaramana at approximately 2:00 a.m. on 28 April 2025, when an unidentified group opened fire on alocal militia checkpoint near the "Al-Naseem" intersection at the entrance of Jaramana. Gunfire continued and intensified around 4:00 a.m., leading to the deaths of at least two members of thesecurity forces and six residents of the city. Over ten others were injured in the initial wave of violence. Local factions imposed heightened security measures, erecting checkpoints and restricting movement into and out of the city.[77]
On 29 April 2025, clashes expanded to the Druze-majority towns ofSahnaya andAshrafiyat Sahnaya. Armed groups attacked multiple security checkpoints usingmachine guns andRPGs.[78] The fighting briefly paused, but continued after reinforcements arrived from Daraa.[79]Hussam Waruar, the head of theSahnaya Municipality, was killed along with his son on 1 May by unidentified gunmen.[80] The unidentified groups killed the Druze leader,Wajdi al-Hajj Ali, who was shot in the head and died on 30 April 2025 before reaching the hospital.[81]
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, theMinistry of Defense executed civilians at a poultry farm outside the town ofSahnaya.[82]
The SOHR stated that theMinistry of Defense ambushed Druze coming fromSuwayda towardsSahnaya, resulting in 43 deaths.[39] Some of the bodies were burned and others mutilated while the perpetrators (from theMinistry of Interior) reportedly chanted anti-Druze slogans.[83]
On 21 May 2025, an armed group, "led by Fadi Nasr, with support from Tariq al-Nagoush", tookMustafa al-Bakour, the governor of Suwayda governorate, hostage at the town hall, demanding and securing the release of Raghib Qarqout, who is a convicted car thief. TheMen of Dignity movement was mobilised and secured the governor's exit route from the building, while theAl-Jabal Brigade engaged with the gunmen.[86] Al-Bakour submitted his resignation two days later.[87]
The violence began on 11 July, after a Druze vegetable merchant was assaulted by members ofBedouin tribes after they set up an improvisedroadblock. The Bedouin attackers subjected him to sectarian insults and repeated death threats during his detention. He was later released to a remote village while blindfolded and in critical condition.[90][91] In response, local Druze armed groups detained several individuals from Bedouin tribes the next day in an effort to recover the stolen property. This initiated a cycle of retaliatory kidnappings between the two sides, which quickly escalated into open armed clashes.[92]
On 13 July, the Bedouin fighters responded by establishing a checkpoint in the al-Maqwas neighborhood in easternSuwayda city, where they captured several members of the local Druze armed groups. Armed clashes soon erupted between the two sides in and around the area,[93] the clashes spread toat-Tira,al-Mazraa, andas-Sawra al-Kabira.[94] Bedouins fromDaraa Governorate arrived to the area to assist the Bedouin fighters.[95]
On 14 July, video was released showing aGeneral Security vehicle, including a person making sectarian statements, declaring his participation in the conflict.[96]Hikmat al-Hijri issued a statement demanding an urgent call for international protection, reiterating the leadership's rejection of any security force entering their areas, the General Security Service and another unidentified agency, accusing them of crossing into the province under the pretext of providing protection while bombing border villages and supporting extremist groups with heavy weaponry and drones.[97] Shelling was reported in the neighboringDaraa Governorate, in which four civilians were wounded by a Druze group from the town ofAl-Thaalah and among the villages controlled by Druze groups.[98] Israeli aircraft were seen conducting low-altitude flights over the western countryside ofSuwayda, deployingflares,[99] the Israeli Army later announced that it had struck multiple tanks belonging to the Syrian Army inSuwayda Governorate.[100][97] However a tank was repaired and was deployed again in an hour,[101] TheSyrian Arab News Agency reported a total of three Israeli strikes.[102]
On 15 July, theSyrian Minister of Defense announced that a ceasefire had been reached with Druze spiritual leadership inSuwayda to cooperate with the Interior and Defense Forces and to surrender their weapons,[103] though it was denied byHikmat al-Hijri who declared that he would "resist this brutal campaign by all available means", including women, children, and elderly fighting, accusing government forces of violating the ceasefire by shelling Suwayda.[104] Israel conducted further strikes in al-Mazraa after theSyrian Armed Forces took control of the town. Strikes were also reported on the outskirts ofSuwayda.[105][106] Intensive airstrikes continued across Suwayda following the announcement of a ceasefire. The airstrikes targeted military equipment and convoys.[107][108] One Syrian army convoy was struck in Suwayda, resulting in at least one casualty.[109] The Mar Mikhael Church in the town of as-Sawra al-Kabira was robbed, vandalized, and burned.[110] The groupMen of Dignity announced over 50 of their members killed or injured in Suwayda clashes.[111]
On 16 July 2025, SheikhHikmat al-Hijri issued a statement, in which he appealed toDonald Trump,Benjamin Netanyahu,Mohammed bin Salman andAbdullah II to save Suwayda, stating that "the mask has fallen off the face of the ruling clique" and declaring, "we can no longer live with a regime that knows nothing of governance except iron and fire".[112]Israel conductedairstrikes on several government buildings inDamascus, including theSyrian military headquarters,[113]Israel Katz declared that the era of mere warnings in Damascus has ended, stating that "painful blows" will now be delivered to the Syrian government. Katz emphasized that the IDF will persistently and forcefully act in Suwayda to dismantle the forces responsible for attacking the Druze community until they fully withdraw. Addressing the Druze community in Israel, he reassured them that they can rely on the Israel Defense Forces for protection of their brethren in Syria, affirming that both he and Prime Minister Netanyahu have made a firm commitment to uphold this promise,[114] The SyrianMinistry of Health reported three killed and 34 injured as a result of the attacks.[115] The Druze Religious Authority in Suwayda[g] announced it had reached a comprehensive agreement with the Syrian government to fully integrate the province within the Syrian state and reaffirm the state's sovereignty over the region. The agreement stipulates the restoration and activation of all government institutions in Suwayda. Additionally, the agreement provides for the withdrawal of army forces to their barracks, replacing them with internal security forces composed of local officers, theSyrian Ministry of Interior confirmed the ceasefire and the deployment of security checkpoints across the city as part of the reintegration process,[116] Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri issued a statement denying the existence of any agreement involving what he called "armed gangs falsely claiming to be the government." Addressing the people and "our heroic youth who defend the land, honor, and religion," the statement praised what he described as the "spirit of heroism and dignity" and urged continued resistance against the "criminal armed terrorist gangs," which he accused of committing murder, robbery, looting, and arson of homes, hospitals, and places of worship. The statement emphasized the importance of continuing "legitimate self-defense," calling for the struggle to continue "until the complete liberation of Suwayda Governorate from these gangs without conditions," presenting it as a national, humanitarian, and moral duty that admits no compromise. Al-Hijri also urged the "remnants" of armed opposition members to surrender, promising that those who do so will be under the protection of the spiritual leadership and "will not be humiliated or mistreated".[117] There were protests inJaramana with protestors chanting slogans against presidentAhmed al-Sharaa and his government.[118] TheSyrian army began withdrawing from Suwayda. A statement by the Syrian Ministry of Defense said the withdrawal came after the army had completed operations against "outlaw groups" in the city. State news agencySANA reported the pullout was in line with the deal reached between the government and Druze religious leaders.[119]
On 17 July, following the withdrawal of the Syrian army, Druze fighters reportedly discovered entire houses had been set on fire, families slaughtered inside homes, and looting.[120] Witnesses in Suwayda compared the Syrian government's actions tosummary executions.[121] clashes between Bedouin and Druze fighters were also reported in the western countryside ofRif Dimashq Governorate.[122] Clashes resumed in Suwayda after government forces withdrew as Bedouins launched new armed assaults on Druze forces, with the stated goal of releasing Bedouin prisoners of war.[123][124] A Bedouin commander toldReuters that the ceasefire agreement did not bind his men, but only the forces of President Ahmed al-Shara's administration. According to the commander, his forces are aiming to free the Bedouins who were detained in recent days by the Druze fighters.[125]
On 18 July, amid the large-scale attack by Bedouin fighters onSuwayda Governorate and reports of them enteringSuwayda city, backed by fighters from the neighboringDaraa Governorate and other governorates in Syria,[126][127] Hikmat al-Hijri reportedly demanded the Syrian government to send a conflict resolution force.[128] Reports later circulated that Syrian government forces were preparing to redeploy in the city of Suwayda, following renewed clashes between Druze factions and Bedouin tribes. While an Israeli government related source said that Israel had agreed to a time-limited entry into Suwayda by Syrian government forces, the Syrian Interior Ministry denied that it was preparing to re-enter the city.[129][126]
On 19 July, the Syrian government declared a ceasefire which was approved by the Druze leadership and Bedouin tribes.[130] They arrived at the city ofSuwayda[131] but are having difficulty implementing the ceasefire.[132] Fierce street fighting was documented in the city of Suwayda between Bedouins and Druze.AFP, which had teams on the ground, reported that the Bedouin militants had managed to break through the Druze defenses and penetrate the west of the city. An AFP correspondent in Suwayda reported seeing dozens of houses and cars set on fire, and gunmen setting shops on fire after looting them.[133][134]
On 20 July, clashes were reported after the ceasefire in the towns ofAl-Ariqah, Rimah, Hazem andShahba, after an attack by tribal militias,[135] especially in Al-Ariqah after the entry of tribal fighters with the help ofGeneral Security Service.[136]
On 21 July, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that nine civilians were injured by a drone attack on the city ofShahba by Bedouin tribes.[137]
On 26 July, the spiritual leadership of the Druze, headed by SheikhHikmat al-Hijri, announced the formation of a "Supreme Legal Committee" consisting of six judges, including four judicial advisors, and three lawyers. The committee outlined its responsibilities as managing public affairs across all sectors in Suwayda, including administrative, security, and service-related matters.[139]
On 3 August, what the transitional government called "illegal groups" reportedly violated the ceasefire agreement and attacked the Syrian Internal Security Forces.[140] Fighting took place in Tal al-Hadid,[141][142] with theAl-Jabal Brigade involved in the fighting[34]
On 8 August, clashes erupted in the town ofNajran between Druze factions and an armed group, following an attack reportedly launched by the latter. TheSyrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the clashes resulted in the deaths of two people on both sides, along with material damage and the burning of several civilian homes, before the attackers withdrew.[143]
On 10 August, the town ofal-Majdal came under an assault from three directions, involving the use of heavy machine guns and mortar fire.One wave of the attack originated from the town ofal-Mazraa, where government forces are stationed, while the other two approached from positions west of al-Majdal, firing heavy and medium machine guns toward the surrounding villages.[144]
On 15 August, one woman from Suwayda was killed when unidentified armed assailants opened fire on the vehicle she was traveling in near the town of al-Kiheel in the eastern countryside ofDaraa Governorate. She was en route with other passengers from Suwayda toBeirut via the highway passing through Daraa toward Damascus. The area where the incident took place was under the control of the Syrian government.[145]
On 16 August, demonstrations took place in al-Karama Square inSuwayda. Protesters chanted slogans against "federalism" and demanded "full independence" for Syria, with slogans praisingHikmat al-Hijri.[146]
On 25 August, according toEnab Baladi, other groups that later joined include "Men of Dignity,[h] the Unitarian Popular Resistance, Southern Shield Forces, Mountain Shield Forces, Lions of the Mountain Forces, Shield of Tawhid, Sahwat al-Khedr Shield, Mimas and Tal al-Lawz, Men of al-Lajat and Men of al-Kafr", while 164th Brigade joined on 24 August,[151] and theSuwayda Military Council joined on 27 August.[28]
On 21 September,Ayoob Kara, former member of the IsraeliKnesset, announced the independence ofSuwayda, declaring "We proclaim September 21, 2025, as the historic day of Suwayda’s separation from Syria and from the terrorist government ofAhmed Al-Sharaa".[153]
On 26 September, theSyrian Druze militias established a localwomen's self-defense army as a response to the precarious security situation. More than 500 women are involved.[154]Minors have been forcibly trained to use weapons.[155]
On 1 October, shootings broke out after the infiltration of drones belonging toMinistry of Defense.[157]
On 7 October, theNational Guard repelled an infiltration attempt by Syrian government forces in the town of Rima Hazem.[158]
On 8 October, protesters inShahba demonstrated in support of the residents of Ashrafieh andSheikh Maqsoud,[159] during its siege inAleppo clashes, waving flags ofSyrian Democratic Forces and banners reading: "The siege of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh is a siege of Suwayda" and "Long live the resistance of the SDF!"[160]
On 9 October, unknown Druze fighters attacked a government position inWalgha; the National Guard denied its participation.[161]
On 10 October, Syrian government forces and the National Guard clashed in northernSuwayda, with 23 mm cannons.[162]
On 11 October, a US delegation met withHikmat al-Hijri and the National Guard, without the knowledge ofJihad Ghoutani, which created divisions in the National Guard. On the same day al-Hijri changed the name ofJabal al-Arab to "Jabal al-Bashan", a Hebrew term, which generated controversy inSuwayda,[163] the matters were legally resolved by the National Guard.[164]
On 20 October, the National Guard repelled an infiltration attempt by Syrian government forces with 23mm heavy machine guns towards the town ofMajdal.[165]
On 28 October, an attack occurred on a bus carryingDruze people on theSuwayda-Damascus highway, where two people, Aya Salam and Kamal Abdulbaqi, died.[166][167][168] Hussam al-Tahhan declared: "This attack is a desperate attempt to destabilize security in the area and to terrorize citizens seeking stability."[169][170][better source needed]
On 7 November, theNational Guard warned of ceasefire violations such as the bombing of civilian homes, the National Guard also shot down a drone loaded with explosives. The statement added that there were clashes inRasas.[171]
On 13 November, heavy fighting broke out inAl-Majdal, following the infiltration of Syrian government forces and drone attacks, prompting theNational Guard to send reinforcements to the border. That same day, Syrian government forces attacked theSuwayda–Taara road,[172] The skirmishes, which were the heaviest in months, were noticeable for the use of "drones, mortars, and heavy machine guns" by both sides. The "towns ofWolgha, Tal al-Aqra, Tal Hadid andal-Mazraa" were targeted by what the Syrian government called "outlaw forces".[173]
On 20 November, a gang kidnapped fiveDruze people from Suwayda: Talal Dheeb, Reem Dheeb, Mahmouda Quraisha, Ilham Abu Zein Al-Din and Rafi Habib, who were released inAl-Musayfirah,Daraa Governorate.[176] The gang leader was arrested. The kidnapped people were residents ofAs-Sawra as-Saghira.[177] Hussam al-Tahhan stated that "the operation took place after careful monitoring on the ground and intensive surveillance and investigations".[178]
On 30 November, the National Guard claimed a "coup d'état" by Raed al-Matni and Assem Abo Fakhr, where they were arrested together with people related to Syrian government forces, Sources indicated that the incident was an attempted assault on the government building and police headquarters, carried out by "Gandhi Abo Fakhr and a group affiliated with him, in coordination withSuleiman Abdul Baqi, with the aim of "overthrowing al-Sheikh al-Hijri".[179]
On 1 December, the National Guard detained 10 people, including Sheikh Raed al-Matni, Assem Abou Fakher, Ghandi Abou Fakher, Maher Falhout, Hussam Zeidan, Zeidan Zeidan and Alameddine Zeidan, clarifying that they carried out a “swift and precise” operation to arrest what it called “traitors and conspirators”.[180]
On 3 December, Sheikh Raed al-Matni's body was found with signs of torture, after being accused of having links with the Syrian government andSuleiman Abdul Baqi. The National Guard also raided al-Baqi's house, and promised a strong response.[181] Sheikh Maher Falhout was also killed. The National Guard was reportedly behind the killings.[182][better source needed]
On 8 December, the National Guard reported mortar and drone attacks by the Syrian government forces, the affected areas are: Tel Hadid, Al-Maamel road and theKanaker area. The National Guard declared that "the hostile fire and sources of fire were extinguished and full control of the situation on the field was restored".[183]
On 15 December, the National Guard killed the poet Anwar al-Shaer, due to their criticism of the group, in Busan,Suwayda,[184] he was taken to the Suweida National Hospital. His brother stated that "In a cowardly and treacherous operation, the martyr of the word of truth, Anwar Fawzat Al-Shaer, the free national revolutionary poet, was murdered in front of his house" and swore revenge.[185]
On 19 December, the National Guard stated that Syrian government forces in Rimat Hazim and Al-Mazra'a launched attacks towards Al-Majdal with drones and mortar fire, injuring two civilians, in addition to an infiltration by Syrian government forces on the northwest axis, resulting in four wounded.[186]
The National Guard accusedTareq al-Shoufi of "collaborating with Sharaa, and [he] went into hiding", while al-Hijri was "accused of kidnapping and his son of dealings with regional drug-smuggling networks, includingHezbollah."[22]
On 23 December, the National Guard stated that the Syrian government forces had “continued their attacks against al-Jabal and the surrounding areas”, using mortar fire, heavy machine guns, and drones. The city ofAttil was attacked with mortar fire fromRimat Hazem and Tel Hadid, causing two deaths and eight injuries.[187] There was also an attack on the civilian prison of Suwayda and transport directorate using heavy machine guns and mortar fire.[188]
On 24 December, clashes occurred between the National Guard and the Syrian government forces on the Ara-Khirbet Samar axis in the rural area of Suwayda and on the al-Majdal-al-Mazra'a axis, using 23mm heavy machine guns.[189] That same day, theRoyal Jordanian Air Force launched attacks onSuwayda that targeted “a series of factories and workshops that drug and arms traffickers use as bases to launch their illegal operations into Jordanian territory",[190] It also attacked seven sites under the control of the National Guard, including a suspected weapons depot in Al Kafr, belonging to theSuwayda Military Council.[4]
On 3 January, four members of the "National Army" in Suwayda were attacked by mortars belonging to theGeneral Security.[191]
On 11 January, the Syrian government forces launched attacks towardSuwayda fromKanaker and Tal Hadid, and four civilians were injured. The injured were identified as Kinan Adel Al-Badeeish, Sami Salman Allameh, Majd Firas Jazan and Haitham Hani Mazhar.[192]
On 24 January, the Syrian government forces reported the death of one of their members in clashes against the National Guard.[193] The Syrian government forces also carried out a special operation in Suwayda to rescue three civilians kidnapped by the National Guard.[194]
On 1 February, the Syrian government forces launched attacks towardSuwayda from the areas of Tal Hadid, Mansoura andWalgha, with four mortar shells.[195] Clashes were reported between the National Guard and the Syrian government forces in the area of Mansour and the National Guard declared that it shot down a drone belonging to the Syrian government forces.[196] A Syrian security source reported an attempted infiltration by what it called "outlaw gangs" in the area of Mansoura.[197]
On 2 February, the Syrian internal security forces arrested Nasser Faisal Al-Saadi, a member of the National Guard,Eagles of the Whirlwind and Hezbollah, in addition to being the "biggest drug dealer in the region".[198]
On 6 February, the Syrian government forces advanced towards the towns ofAtil andSalim, reachingSweida.[199] A Syrian security source reported attacks towardal-Mazra'a.[200] The Syrian government forces launched attacks towardal-Majdal with rocket launchers, killing the civilian Rani Basel Naeem.[201]
On 7 February, a Syrian internal security force member shot at four people in Al-Matouna, a rural area of Suwayda, and was later arrested by Syrian government forces.[202] The civilians were harvesting olives before they were shot.[203]
On 10 February, the National Guard denied having closed the road between Umm al-Zaytoun and Damascus, declaring it as "misleading and false information" and that the crossing is controlled by Internal Security Forces in Suwayda.[204]
During the summer of 2025, theAs-Suwayda Governorate in southern Syria witnessed heavy clashes between Druze factions and Bedouin militias. During this period, several videos emerged allegedly documenting summary executions, abuses against civilians, and acts of violence including the burning of houses, looting, and abductions.
A video report by theBBC titledMore than 350 people killed in Syria clashes showed widespread violence in affected areas.[205]
Drone footage showed damaged neighborhoods in Sweida following the fighting.[206]
CCTV footage from Sweida hospital circulated online, reportedly showing armed men killing a person inside the hospital while medical staff were forced to the ground.[207]
A video report fromThe Guardian titledKilled for what, religion? featured testimonies describing summary executions and retaliatory violence during the sectarian escalation.[208]
Human Rights Watch reported that the conflict was accompanied by "serious abuses," including summary executions, arson attacks on homes, looting of property, and the forced displacement of civilians.[209]
Syria: Syria condemned the Israeli strikes on Syria and asserted their right to self-defense.[210] Theforeign ministry said that Israel's "flagrant assault, which forms part of a deliberate policy pursued by the Israeli entity to inflame tensions, spread chaos, and undermine security and stability in Syria, constitutes a blatant violation of theUnited Nations Charter and international humanitarian law".[211] The head of security in Suwayda,Suleiman Abdul Baqi, declared "that some of the Druze in Israel who misledHikmat al-Hijri into believing he would be granted a "state" have no influence in Washington" and "the American administration supports PresidentAhmed al-Sharaa and a unified Syrian state, and is against anyseparatist project or separatist groups, and does not support any Syrian component except through sending humanitarian aid, and supports the security and stability of Syria".[212]
Rojava/DAANES: TheSDF condemned the violence in Suwayda, commenting on the civilian casualties in the conflict.[213] TheKurdishwomen-ledYPJ in particular expressed its readiness to "protect Druze women and civilians, [and to] shoulder all the responsibility placed upon us without hesitation".[214] On 17 July 2025 the Social Affairs and Labor Authority of the DAANES dispatchedhumanitarian aid to Suwayda Governorate.[215]
Suwayda Military Council: An official statement was issued declaring a state of maximum alert. The council announced that all combat units under its command had been placed on maximum alert, prepared for immediate intervention if deemed necessary to protect civilians.[216]
Druze leaders: The Sheikh al-'Aql,Hikmat al-Hijri, called on Druze fighters to "resist this brutal campaign by all available means",[217] the main sheikh of the Druze in Israel,Muwaffaq Tarif, declared, "The eyes and hearts of the Israeli Druze community are focused on the suffering of the Druze villages around Damascus",[218] although he distanced himself from al-Hijri.[180]
Alawite leaders: The SheikhGhazal Ghazal, the leader of theSupreme Alawite Islamic Council, pointed to the attacks against churches and members of theDruze community, emphasizing that "the perpetrator is the same, and the blood is the same". He stated that what theAlawite community has suffered has also affected other sects.[219]
Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah: The group threatened on 15 July to expand its sectarian attacks to include the Druze community in Suwayda.[220]
Algeria: Algeria strongly condemned the Israeli attack on Syria, calling it a flagrant violation of sovereignty.[221]
Bahrain: Bahrain welcomed the Syrian government's announcement of a ceasefire in Suwayda province, saying the measure contributes to improving security, stability and preserving civil peace.[222]
China: China emphasized that Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected.[223]
Egypt: Egypt condemned the repetitive attacks on Syria as a "violation" of the sovereignty of the country and a "breach of international law".[224]
France: France called for an end to "abuses targeting civilians" in Suwayda and a "immediate cessation of clashes".[225]
Germany: Germany threatened to suspend its support for the Syrian transitional government following the events in Suwayda.[226]
Iran: Iran expressed strong condemnation of the attacks by Israel on Syria and made concerns on the clashes in Suwayda.[227]
Iraq: Iraq expressed its deep concern over the escalating tensions in Syria and strongly condemned Israel's repeated military interventions, calling them flagrant violations of sovereignty.[222]
Japan: Japan calls for respecting Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.[228]
Lebanon: Lebanon condemns Israeli attacks on Syria and urges international community to assume its responsibilities,[229] the Lebanese politician,Walid Jumblatt, warned against "the plots of Israel" and accused Netanyahu of attempting to create sectarian division and chaos in Syria.[230]
Russia: Russia condemned the Israeli strikes in Syria, calling it a violation of Syria's sovereignty.[231]
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia expressed its strong support for the actions taken by the Syrian government in order to attain territorial integrity, called on the international community to stand with Syria and condemned the Israeli airstrikes.[232]
Turkey: Turkey expressed its support for the actions taken by Syria to assure its territorial integrity and condemned the Israeli intervention in the conflict.[233]
United Kingdom: A british envoy to Syria calls for de-escalation in the south of the country.[234]
Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates: stated that condemnations of Israeli attacks on Syria were also expressed by Afghanistan, Denmark, Greece, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Sierra Leone, South Korea, Spain, and Switzerland.[235]
United Nations: The UN urged de-escalation between the belligerents and urged measures to protect civilians.[236]
European Union: The EU urged de-escalation and the implementation of the ceasefire declared on 15 July. It expressed its concern over Syria's sovereignty and integrity.[237]
Arab League: The General Secretariat of the Arab League strongly condemned the Israeli airstrikes on Syria, describing them as a blatant violation of the sovereignty of a fellow Arab League and UN member state and a clear breach of international law. The League characterized the attacks as acts of "bullying" that must not be tolerated by the regional or international community and called for their immediate cessation. It warned that the strikes aimed to sow chaos in Syria by exploiting recent unrest in Suwayda—events which the Syrian government itself denounced and pledged to investigate. The League expressed full solidarity with Syria, urging the government to defuse tensions through dialogue and inclusive national reconciliation.[238]
TheMuslim World League issued a statement expressing its full solidarity with Syria against any threats to its security, stability, and sovereignty, particularly attempts to sow discord among its communities or interfere in its internal affairs. The League voiced support for the Syrian government's efforts to protect all segments of the population, uphold civil peace, and enforce the rule of law. It also condemned Israel's attacks on Syrian territory and its "continued violations of international laws and norms".[222]
Hamas: Hamas issued a statement expressing full solidarity with Syria and described the Israeli attacks as a "blatant violation of international laws" and called for a strong response to confront them.[222]
Hezbollah: Hezbollah condemned the Israeli strikes, describing them as against international law.[240]
^The Men of Dignity Movement "initially declined to join the new military formation". Later however, they "issued a statement welcoming the announcement of local factions uniting under an "organized military body", describing it as a necessary step at a time when the Druze community is defending its existence "against covetous invaders".[150]
^"Israel launches bombing raids in Syria and Lebanon".The Guardian. 15 July 2025.Archived from the original on 16 July 2025. Retrieved16 July 2025.In Syria, the transitional government has said it had sent the forces south to end days of clashes between Druze and Bedouin groups, who remained armed following the end of the civil war.
^"Israel strikes in Damascus as clashes between government forces and Druze groups in Syria rage on".Associated Press. 16 July 2025.Archived from the original on 16 July 2025. Retrieved16 July 2025.Islamist insurgent groups ousted Syria's longtime despotic leader, Bashar Assad, in December, bringing an end to a nearly 14-year civil war. Since then, the country's new rulers have struggled to consolidate control over the territory.
^"حزب الله يدين قصف العدو الصهيوني لدمشق" [Hezbollah condemns Zionist enemy's bombing of Damascus].Islamic Resistance in Lebanon - Hezbollah (in Arabic). 16 July 2025.Archived from the original on 18 July 2025. Retrieved18 July 2025.
Syria: Syria condemned the Israeli strikes on Syria and asserted their right to self-defense.[210] Theforeign ministry said that Israel's "flagrant assault, which forms part of a deliberate policy pursued by the Israeli entity to inflame tensions, spread chaos, and undermine security and stability in Syria, constitutes a blatant violation of theUnited Nations Charter and international humanitarian law".[211] The head of security in Suwayda,Suleiman Abdul Baqi, declared "that some of the Druze in Israel who misledHikmat al-Hijri into believing he would be granted a "state" have no influence in Washington" and "the American administration supports PresidentAhmed al-Sharaa and a unified Syrian state, and is against anyseparatist project or separatist groups, and does not support any Syrian component except through sending humanitarian aid, and supports the security and stability of Syria".[212]
Rojava/DAANES: TheSDF condemned the violence in Suwayda, commenting on the civilian casualties in the conflict.[213] TheKurdishwomen-ledYPJ in particular expressed its readiness to "protect Druze women and civilians, [and to] shoulder all the responsibility placed upon us without hesitation".[214] On 17 July 2025 the Social Affairs and Labor Authority of the DAANES dispatchedhumanitarian aid to Suwayda Governorate.[215]
Suwayda Military Council: An official statement was issued declaring a state of maximum alert. The council announced that all combat units under its command had been placed on maximum alert, prepared for immediate intervention if deemed necessary to protect civilians.[216]
Alawite leaders: The SheikhGhazal Ghazal, the leader of theSupreme Alawite Islamic Council, pointed to the attacks against churches and members of theDruze community, emphasizing that "the perpetrator is the same, and the blood is the same". He stated that what theAlawite community has suffered has also affected other sects.[219]
Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah: The group threatened on 15 July to expand its sectarian attacks to include the Druze community in Suwayda.[220]
Algeria: Algeria strongly condemned the Israeli attack on Syria, calling it a flagrant violation of sovereignty.[221]
Bahrain: Bahrain welcomed the Syrian government's announcement of a ceasefire in Suwayda province, saying the measure contributes to improving security, stability and preserving civil peace.[222]
China: China emphasized that Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected.[223]
Egypt: Egypt condemned the repetitive attacks on Syria as a "violation" of the sovereignty of the country and a "breach of international law".[224]
France: France called for an end to "abuses targeting civilians" in Suwayda and a "immediate cessation of clashes".[225]
Germany: Germany threatened to suspend its support for the Syrian transitional government following the events in Suwayda.[226]
Iran: Iran expressed strong condemnation of the attacks by Israel on Syria and made concerns on the clashes in Suwayda.[227]
Iraq: Iraq expressed its deep concern over the escalating tensions in Syria and strongly condemned Israel's repeated military interventions, calling them flagrant violations of sovereignty.[222]
Japan: Japan calls for respecting Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.[228]
Lebanon: Lebanon condemns Israeli attacks on Syria and urges international community to assume its responsibilities,[229] the Lebanese politician,Walid Jumblatt, warned against "the plots of Israel" and accused Netanyahu of attempting to create sectarian division and chaos in Syria.[230]
Russia: Russia condemned the Israeli strikes in Syria, calling it a violation of Syria's sovereignty.[231]
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia expressed its strong support for the actions taken by the Syrian government in order to attain territorial integrity, called on the international community to stand with Syria and condemned the Israeli airstrikes.[232]
Turkey: Turkey expressed its support for the actions taken by Syria to assure its territorial integrity and condemned the Israeli intervention in the conflict.[233]
United Kingdom: A british envoy to Syria calls for de-escalation in the south of the country.[234]
United Nations: The UN urged de-escalation between the belligerents and urged measures to protect civilians.[236]
European Union: The EU urged de-escalation and the implementation of the ceasefire declared on 15 July. It expressed its concern over Syria's sovereignty and integrity.[237]
Arab League: The General Secretariat of the Arab League strongly condemned the Israeli airstrikes on Syria, describing them as a blatant violation of the sovereignty of a fellow Arab League and UN member state and a clear breach of international law. The League characterized the attacks as acts of "bullying" that must not be tolerated by the regional or international community and called for their immediate cessation. It warned that the strikes aimed to sow chaos in Syria by exploiting recent unrest in Suwayda—events which the Syrian government itself denounced and pledged to investigate. The League expressed full solidarity with Syria, urging the government to defuse tensions through dialogue and inclusive national reconciliation.[238]
Gulf Cooperation Council: The council condemned Israeli attacks on Syria.[239]
Hamas: Hamas issued a statement expressing full solidarity with Syria and described the Israeli attacks as a "blatant violation of international laws" and called for a strong response to confront them.[222]
Hezbollah: Hezbollah condemned the Israeli strikes, describing them as against international law.[240]
