World News Live Updates: US Brokers Ceasefire Plan in Suweida; Syria Welcomes Effort, Israel Silent
Israel launched airstrikes on Syria’s defense ministry in Damascus and targeted government troops in southern Syria on Wednesday, citing the need to protect the Druze community in Suweida amid spiraling sectarian violence. The clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes have killed hundreds since Sunday, making it one of the deadliest escalations in the region in years. Meanwhile, the U.S. is pushing for an urgent ceasefire as Syrian forces begin withdrawing from Suweida under a deal with local Druze leaders.
Israel launched airstrikes on Syria’s defense ministry in Damascus and targeted government forces in southern Syria on Wednesday, amid ongoing deadly sectarian violence in the Druze-majority province of Suweida.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military action was aimed at “saving our Druze brothers and eliminating the regime’s gangs.”
In response, Syria’s foreign ministry condemned the Israeli strikes, calling them a “treacherous aggression.”
Over 300 Killed in Suweida, Syria Clashes Since Sunday
The violence in Suweida, which erupted on Sunday, has resulted in the deaths of more than 300 people. The clashes are between local Druze militias and Bedouin tribes, marking one of the deadliest sectarian escalations in the province in recent months.
US Pushes for Israel-Syria Ceasefire
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence. “We have agreed on specific steps that will bring this troubling and horrifying situation to an end tonight,” Rubio wrote on X on Wednesday evening, adding that he was “very worried” but optimistic the violence would cease within hours.
Syria’s foreign ministry said Damascus “welcomes the efforts made by the US and Arabian sides” to resolve the crisis peacefully.
Israel has not yet publicly commented on the ceasefire discussions.
Syrian Army Begins Withdrawal from Suweida
Syria’s state news agency, Sana, reported that Syrian troops have started withdrawing from Suweida. According to the agency, the pullback is part of an agreement between the Syrian government and local Druze religious leaders.
The military’s exit follows what Syrian authorities described as “the completion of the army’s pursuit of outlaw groups.”
Israeli Strikes Follow Military Deployment in Suweida
The Israeli military began striking Syrian security forces and their weapon stockpiles on Monday, after Syrian troops were deployed to Suweida for the first time since Sunni Islamist-led rebels ousted President Bashar al-Assad in December.
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