Israel Strikes Syrian Tanks Amid Clashes Between Government Forces and Druze Militias

Israel's military struck tanks in southern Syria on Monday as violent clashes continued between Syrian government forces, Bedouin tribes, and Druze militias in the country's Sweida province. The Syrian Interior Ministry reported that more than 30 people have been killed and nearly 100 injured in the recent fighting, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group, cited at least 64 deaths, including civilians and security personnel.

The unrest began after a series of kidnappings and tit-for-tat attacks between Druze and Sunni Bedouin groups, according to the observatory. Government security forces entered Sweida in an attempt to restore order, encountering resistance from local armed groups. Interior Ministry spokesperson Noureddine al-Baba told state television that, "Some clashes occurred with outlawed armed groups, but our forces are doing their best to prevent any civilian casualties."

The Interior Ministry described the situation as a dangerous escalation, attributing the violence to a lack of effective official institutions and a deteriorating security environment. Both the defense and interior ministries have deployed personnel to the area to stabilize the situation.

Israel has previously intervened in Syria to protect the Druze minority and has stated it will not tolerate threats to the Druze community near its borders. The Druze, a religious minority with significant populations in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, have developed their own militias during Syria's civil war and have at times clashed with government and allied forces. Efforts to normalize relations between Syria and Israel have included indirect talks, though progress remains slow, according to U.S. officials.