Israel Attacks Damascus and Druze Cross into Syria.. Over 245 Killed in Sweida Clashes

SadaNews - On Wednesday, Israel attacked the headquarters of the Syrian General Staff in the capital, Damascus, resuming its airstrikes on military sites and security forces in southern Syria under the pretext of "protecting the Druze," while armed clashes continue in Sweida Province.

The Israeli army announced the attack on the entrance gate to the Syrian General Staff complex in Damascus. In a statement, it said, "The army continues to monitor developments and actions against Druze citizens in Syria, and based on directives from the political level, it attacks in the area and remains in a state of alert for various scenarios."

Hundreds of Druze citizens and residents of the Golan gathered at the border, some of whom attempted to cross it, with vehicles seen taking them into Syrian territory, while the Israeli army stated that it is working to return them. The army also announced monitoring attempts of dozens of Syrians to infiltrate into Israeli territory.

The Syrian news agency "SANA" reported that civilians were injured as a result of Israeli occupation aircraft bombarding the city of Sweida in southern Syria.

The Israeli army has bolstered its presence at the border with Syria by deploying three military companies, while Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz threatened to continue attacks and increase their intensity against Syrian regime forces until they withdraw from the Sweida area, indicating that Israel will implement its disarmament policy.

According to the latest toll announced by the Syrian Observatory on Wednesday morning, the ongoing clashes in Sweida since Sunday have resulted in 248 deaths, including 64 Druze fighters and 28 civilians, 21 of whom were killed "by field executions by elements from the Ministries of Defense and Interior," against 138 fatalities among the elements of the Ministries of Defense and Public Security and 18 fighters from the Bedouin tribes, some of whom were martyred in Israeli airstrikes.

The Syrian Ministry of Defense announced on Wednesday morning that "after concluding a ceasefire agreement with dignitaries and notables of Sweida city, outlaw groups returned to attack the army and internal security forces within the city, and we have previously confirmed the army's right to respond to sources of fire."

It added, "The army forces continue to respond to sources of fire within the city of Sweida, while adhering to the rules of engagement to protect civilians and prevent their harm, and to ensure a safe return for those who left the city to their homes." The Syrian Ministry of Defense urged the residents inside the city of Sweida to "remain in their homes and report any remaining members of the outlaw groups."

The clashes in Sweida began on Sunday morning between armed groups from the Druze sect and Bedouin tribes before Syrian security forces intervened to disperse the clashes, with the Ministry of Defense deploying military reinforcements to the area. Following that, Israel intervened and announced attacks on military vehicles, security forces, and various sites in the area.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the clashes in Sweida are currently concentrated in Tishreen Square and its surroundings, witnessing operations of advance and retreat, and in recent hours, groups of tribal fighters and forces from the Syrian Ministry of Defense launched a counterattack from the Muqass area towards Tishreen Square, where these forces managed to gain control over the square.

It warned that hospitals in the city of Sweida, particularly the National Hospital, are facing a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation, coinciding with ongoing clashes and intermittent shelling of areas close to the hospitals, making it impossible for medical staff and supplies to reach from outside the city.

It was reported from sources described as special that medical teams inside the hospital continue their work amid a shortage of staff and supplies, and a complete power outage in the National Hospital, threatening a humanitarian disaster.

As tensions escalate and both the security and humanitarian situations deteriorate, appeals continue from within the city of Sweida to halt the escalation, secure safe passages for humanitarian aid, and protect medical staff and civilians amid the worsening crisis and sharp decline in basic services.