Wed Jul 16 12:25:38 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text followed by a news article based on it:
**Summary:**
Escalating violence in Sweida, Syria, between Druze fighters, Bedouin tribes, and Syrian government forces has left nearly 250 dead. Israel has intervened, striking military targets in Damascus, including near the presidential palace and military headquarters, warning the Islamist-led Syrian government to withdraw its forces from Sweida and cease attacks on the Druze minority. Israel has reinforced its troops along the armistice line and threatened further military action if its demands are not met. The Druze community views the situation as an existential threat.
**News Article:**
**Israel Strikes Damascus as Violence Escalates in Sweida, Syria**
*The Hindu News Service, Sweida, Syria – July 16, 2025* – Israeli forces launched strikes on military targets in Damascus, Syria, on Wednesday, including areas near the presidential palace and military headquarters, after intense clashes in the southern city of Sweida left nearly 250 dead. The fighting involves Syrian government forces, Druze fighters, and Bedouin tribes, marking the most serious outbreak of violence since April and May.
The conflict erupted after the kidnapping of a Druze merchant led to retaliatory abductions, escalating into widespread fighting. Witnesses report that Syrian government forces joined Bedouin tribes in attacking Druze fighters and civilians.
Israel has warned the Islamist-led Syrian government to withdraw its forces from Sweida and cease attacks on the Druze minority. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz declared, “Israel will not abandon the Druze in Syria,” vowing to enforce a demilitarization policy.
The Israeli military stated it “continues to strike military targets belonging to the Syrian regime in Damascus,” and has reinforced its forces along the armistice line between the occupied Golan Heights and Syrian-controlled territory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would not accept the presence of government forces near territory it controls.
Syrian state television reported two people wounded in Damascus. The Syrian Defence Ministry accused “outlaw groups” of attacking its forces.
The head of the Druze community in Israel, Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, described the situation as an “existential battle” for the Druze.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports at least 248 people killed in Sweida province since Sunday, including civilians, Druze fighters, Syrian security personnel, and Bedouin fighters. The violence has been fueled by long-standing tensions between the Bedouin and Druze communities, further exacerbated by the post-Assad Islamist government’s alleged trampling of minority rights.
Analysts suggest Israel’s intervention may be driven by its own security interests, aiming to keep Syrian government forces away from its border.
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