Ceasefire Collapses In Sweida; Israel Responds With Strike On Syrian Army

Tensions surged in Syria on Wednesday after Israel launched a targeted strike on the Syrian regime's military headquarters near Damascus, while intense fighting resumed in the southern Druze-majority city of Sweida. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), saying it hit "the entrance of the Syrian regime's military headquarters in the area of Damascus."

The IDF added that the action was taken under direct orders from Israel's political leadership. "In accordance with directives from the political echelon, the IDF is striking in the area and remains prepared for various scenarios," the statement read. The military also said it continues to closely monitor Syria's actions, particularly regarding the treatment of Druze civilians in the south.

The Druze, a distinct religious community originating from 10th-century Ismaili Islam, number around one million globally. Over half of them live in Syria, while significant populations reside in Lebanon and Israel, including the Golan Heights-territory seized by Israel from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed in 1981.

Ceasefire Collapses in Sweida, Clashes Resume
Simultaneously, violence reignited in Sweida after a brief ceasefire between government forces and local Druze militias broke down. Syria's Defence Ministry accused the militias of violating Tuesday's ceasefire agreement, triggering a renewed military response.

"Military forces continue to respond to the source of fire inside the city of Sweida, while adhering to rules of engagement to protect residents, prevent harm, and ensure the safe return of those who left the city back to their homes," the ministry stated.

The escalation follows months of instability after the December ousting of President Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebel factions, ending nearly 14 years of civil war. The new Sunni-majority leadership has struggled to assert unified control across Syria, sparking unrest in various regions.

Minority communities such as the Druze have expressed growing unease with the new administration's direction. In March, escalating tensions between pro-Assad forces and government-aligned militias erupted into sectarian violence, claiming hundreds of lives.

Israel's latest strike, and its focus on protecting the Druze population, signals a possible shift toward deeper regional involvement as Syria's internal conflict shows signs of renewed fragmentation.