Syria Condemns Israeli Attacks
Syria has expressed strong condemnation of Israeli airstrikes, labeling them a ‘flagrant violation’ of its sovereignty. This statement comes in the wake of a deadly aerial bombardment that struck the southern regions of Syria on Tuesday. According to the Israeli military, the attacks were a response to incoming fire from the area, escalating tensions within a complex and volatile landscape.
The Syrian foreign ministry issued a scathing commentary on the situation, highlighting what they described as ‘continued Israeli aggression’ particularly in the village of Kuwayya, located in Daraa province. Official reports indicated that this recent bombardment resulted in tragic casualties, with six civilians confirmed dead.
Escalation of Aggression
In its official statement, the Syrian ministry characterized these attacks as part of an ongoing pattern of violations, asserting that Israeli forces had entered the provinces of Quneitra and Daraa. These incursions, they argued, represent a blatant defiance of both national sovereignty and international law.
On the same day, Israeli military sources asserted that their troops had targeted ‘several terrorists’ who allegedly opened fire from southern Syria. Although the exact location was not disclosed, the military claimed to have successfully retaliated with airstrikes against these individuals.
Local Responses and Civilian Displacement
Local authorities in Daraa highlighted the impact of these military operations, stating that they provoked clashes between residents and invading forces. Notably, this escalation resulted in extensive artillery and drone bombardments by Israeli forces, pushing around 350 families to seek refuge in nearby villages.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a reliable war-monitoring organization, reported that Israeli military incursions into southern Syria have become a near-daily occurrence, intensifying fears among the civilian population.
Regional Reactions to the Attacks
The recent violence has sparked condemnation from neighboring countries. The Jordanian foreign ministry described the incursion and subsequent attacks as a ‘dangerous escalation’ with the potential to inflame regional tensions. Similarly, Qatar’s foreign ministry condemned the actions, labeling them a ‘brazen violation of international law.’
Saudi Arabia also voiced its disapproval of the strikes, contending that Israel’s actions undermine regional security and stability through repeated violations of international norms.
Israel’s Military Objectives
Since the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad in December, Israel has conducted hundreds of strikes targeting military sites within Syria. The Israeli government asserts that these operations are crucial for preventing weapons from reaching factions it classifies as jihadist.
On the most recent strike day, Israeli military officials confirmed that they targeted military capabilities at specific sites, including the Tadmur and T4 bases. Previous attacks on these locations just days prior indicate a sustained campaign to disrupt military operations in the region.
Strategic Military Deployments
In addition to airstrikes, Israel has increased its troop presence in the Golan Heights buffer zone, prioritizing the demilitarization of southern Syria. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced strong calls for this demilitarization, underscoring its importance for Israeli security.
UN special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has expressed concern regarding Israeli intentions to maintain a military presence in Syrian territory, cautioning that such actions could destabilize the already precarious situation.
International Community’s Involvement
At an Arab summit held in Cairo, Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa made a plea for the international community to exert pressure on Israel for an immediate withdrawal from southern Syria. He labeled the continued military presence as a direct threat to peace.
As the conflict persists, the Syrian government is advocating for global intervention to address what it perceives as a violation of sovereignty and a hindrance to regional stability.
