Why Did Israel Strike Ashrafiyat Sahnaya Near Damascus?
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Synopsis
In the wake of severe sectarian violence and loss of life, Israel has launched airstrikes on Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, raising alarms over the safety of the Druze community in Syria. This article delves into the complexities of the situation, the historical ties, and the responses from both Israeli and local Druze communities.
Key Takeaways
- Israel conducts airstrikes to protect the Druze community.
- Recent sectarian violence has resulted in over 42 fatalities.
- Syrian forces have launched operations to restore order.
- Access to Ashrafiyat Sahnaya has been restricted.
- The unrest was sparked by inflammatory comments.
Damascus, May 1 (NationPress) - In a significant escalation of tensions, Israel has targeted the town of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, located to the southwest of Damascus, as Syrian forces have recently regained control following a series of violent sectarian confrontations, according to reports from state media and a monitoring organization.
Loud booms resonated throughout the town amidst the Israeli airstrikes, coinciding with the activity of Israeli warplanes and drones, as local sources indicated on Wednesday.
The military action followed Israel's warnings regarding its intentions to safeguard the Druze community in Syria, particularly after a wave of violence resulted in multiple fatalities, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Syrian forces, along with allied paramilitary groups, initiated a comprehensive operation to secure Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, executing door-to-door searches for wanted suspects and confiscating weapons.
The town's access points were effectively shut down, isolating it from its surroundings, with blockades established from the al-Maamel area to the Daraa highway and the Tayarah checkpoint.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring entity, the death toll from the recent sectarian violence across Jaramana, Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, and along the Damascus-Suwayda highway has reached 42.
The deceased include Druze militants and civilians, individuals from the General Security Directorate, as well as pro-government militia members.
The unrest was sparked by an audio recording allegedly from a Druze individual, whose comments were deemed disrespectful to Islam, igniting sectarian strife and prompting retaliatory actions in several towns south of Damascus.
A joint statement from the Israeli Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Defence announced the military's targeting of a "radical Syrian group" purportedly planning to attack Druze residents in the vicinity of Sahnaya, situated in the Damascus countryside.
The statement emphasized: "On Memorial Day for our fallen security personnel, we reaffirm our dedication to the Druze community in Israel and our commitment to protecting their brethren in Syria."
It further stated: "Israel will not permit any harm to befall the Druze population, driven by our profound loyalty to our Druze brothers in Israel, who share close familial and historical bonds with their counterparts in Syria."
In northern Israel, numerous Palestinian Druze blocked roads on Wednesday morning to protest the events unfolding near Damascus.
Activists within the Druze community in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights also cautioned against sectarian incitement and urged restraint.
Point of View
It is essential to analyze the complexities of the situation in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya. The ongoing sectarian violence and Israel's military response highlight the intricate ties between communities in the region. As reporters, we remain committed to providing unbiased coverage of the ongoing developments and their implications for both local and regional stability.
NationPress
16/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the recent violence in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya?
The violence was ignited by an offensive audio recording attributed to a Druze individual, which led to heightened sectarian tensions and retaliatory attacks in several towns.
How has Israel responded to the unrest?
Israel conducted airstrikes in the area, claiming to protect the Druze community from potential threats posed by radical groups.
What is the current situation in the town?
Syrian forces have regained control of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, with ongoing operations to secure the area and prevent further violence.
