Fierce fighting resumed in the southern Syrian city of Sweida on Wednesday, July 16, after a fragile ceasefire between Syrian government forces and local Druze armed groups broke down. The escalation comes amid rising regional tensions, with Israel stepping up its involvement and warning of further action in support of the Druze minority.
The Israeli military reported that it had struck near the entrance of Syria’s Ministry of Defense in Damascus, marking one of several recent airstrikes targeting government convoys in southern Syria. Israel has also reinforced its military presence along the Syrian border.
Syria’s Defense Ministry accused Druze militias of violating Tuesday’s ceasefire, prompting Syrian army units to retaliate and resume military operations across the predominantly Druze province.
