Syria's President Asserts Commitment to Safeguard Druze Amid Escalating Sectarian Conflicts

Amid rising sectarian violence in Suweida, Syria's interim president has vowed to prioritize the protection of the Druze community, following Israel's airstrikes targeting the Syrian military.

In the wake of recent devastating sectarian violence in Syria, President Ahmed al-Sharaa has made a strong commitment to safeguard the Druze population, stating they are a "fundamental part of the fabric" of the nation. This declaration comes after Israel's military escalated its operations against Syrian forces accused of targeting the Druze minority in Suweida province.

In his first televised address since Israeli airstrikes rattled Damascus, Sharaa asserted that controlling sectarian unrest was crucial, especially after more than 350 lives were lost amid violent confrontations between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes since the conflict erupted. Despite the Syrian military's reported withdrawal from Suweida under a ceasefire agreement with local Druze leaders, observers are skeptical about its stability.

Sharaa characterized the ongoing struggle against "outlawed groups" and highlighted efforts to restore order amid claims of extrajudicial killings associated with government forces during the recent turbulence. The Druze community, which follows a unique offshoot of Shia Islam and maintains a notable presence beyond Syria’s borders, remains wary of Sharaa's leadership due to his past affiliations with jihadist groups.

The president made it clear in his speech that he would not tolerate any external manipulation of the Druze, insisting that their interests take precedence over chaos. He further mentioned that responsibility for Suweida's security would transition to religious elders and local factions in what he described as a move in line with national interests.

Moreover, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly affirmed that military actions aim to protect Druze citizens from government forces and to prevent the region from becoming a terrorist haven. The Israeli military reported precise strikes against Syrian military positions to thwart perceived threats.

In response to the crises, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that discussions were underway among the involved parties to establish a resolution to the violence, without elaborating on the details of these negotiations.

As the situation develops, casualty figures remain troubling, with ongoing monitoring by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) indicating a continuing and grim toll from the conflict that has claimed varied lives from both government forces and local militants. The mistrust among the Druze and other minorities continues to amplify as these complex dynamics unfold in the region.