"The US does not support Israel's recent airstrikes. We are engaged in high-level diplomacy with both Israel and Syria to resolve the current crisis and achieve a lasting agreement between the two countries," State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said on 17/7.

She emphasized that the US has "made its displeasure very clear," adding that Washington acted swiftly to de-escalate tensions.

A damaged military vehicle in Sweida, Syria on 17/7. Photo: AFP

A damaged military vehicle in Sweida, Syria on 17/7. Photo: AFP

Secretary of State Marco Rubio also expressed concern about the Israeli airstrikes, including the attack on the Defense Ministry headquarters in Damascus. He said the US has reached out to all parties and taken steps to end the "worrying and appalling situation."

Turkey and several Arab nations also issued a joint statement affirming their support for "Syria's security, unity, stability, and sovereignty", while rejecting any foreign interference in its internal affairs.

Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa on 17/7 praised the role of the US and other countries that helped "save the region from instability", but accused Israel of seeking to "undermine unity" and "repeatedly targeting the stability" of Syria. He affirmed that protecting the Druze and their rights is "our top priority" and rejected any attempts at external interference.

Location of Israel, Syria and Sweida province. Graphic: WP

Location of Israel, Syria and Sweida province. Graphic: WP

Israel conducted a series of airstrikes on 16/7 targeting the Syrian Defense Ministry headquarters and military installations in Damascus. Israel also reportedly launched airstrikes near the Syrian presidential palace and the city of Sweida in southern Syria, which has a predominantly Druze population.

Tel Aviv claimed the airstrikes were intended to protect the Druze community in Syria. There are about 140,000 Druze in Israel, comprising about 2% of the population. Many Druze serve in the Israeli military, making them an influential minority group in the country's politics. This community has often called on the Israeli government to intervene in support of their "brethren" in Syria.

Syrian government forces entered Sweida on 15/7 to oversee a ceasefire reached with Druze community leaders. The ceasefire followed clashes between the Druze and Bedouin communities that left over 100 people dead.

However, witnesses reported that government forces joined Bedouin fighters in attacking Druze gunmen and civilians throughout the city. This action prompted the Israeli airstrikes. The Syrian Defense Ministry later stated that army units had begun withdrawing from Sweida in accordance with the agreement.

Thuy Lam (AFP, Reuters)