Syrian Presidency Condemns Israeli Airstrike Near Presidential Palace as Dangerous Escalation
The Syrian presidency on Friday denounced an Israeli airstrike near the presidential palace in Damascus, calling it a 'dangerous escalation' and a continuation of reckless behavior aimed at destabilizing the country and undermining national unity.
In a statement carried by state news agency SANA, the presidency condemned the strike 'in the strongest terms,' describing it as an assault on state institutions and a violation of Syria's sovereignty.
'This aggression reflects ongoing reckless actions designed to exacerbate security crises and threaten the unity of the Syrian people,' the statement read.
The presidency urged the international community and Arab nations to support Syria in resisting what it labeled 'hostile acts' by Israel, which it said flagrantly violate international law. It called for unified Arab positions to confront Israeli 'aggression' and defend the rights of Arab peoples.
'Syria will not compromise its sovereignty or security,' the presidency said, vowing to pursue all available means to protect its people. It also reiterated its commitment to national dialogue and reform efforts, stressing that the country remains on a path of reconstruction despite mounting challenges.
The Israeli airstrike came amid a fragile return to calm in Druze-majority areas surrounding Damascus, which had experienced unrest in recent days. Tensions in neighborhoods like Ashrafiyat Sahnaya and Jaramana had flared following the leak of an audio recording allegedly featuring a Druze cleric making derogatory remarks about Islam. The incident sparked violent clashes between armed groups, resulting in casualties.
Local leaders and Syrian authorities have since worked to stabilize the situation. Sheikh Laith al-Balaous, a prominent Druze figure and head of the Dignity Forum armed group, said calm had returned to the troubled suburbs after security forces entered the areas and took control.
'We've restored order in Sahnaya, Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, and Jaramana. Security forces are now in control, and residents are reporting a return to normal,' Balaous told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Authorities have also struck an agreement with community leaders in Jaramana to disarm local factions and reinforce the presence of security forces. Heavy weapons were handed over, and security checkpoints around the city were bolstered, according to Colonel Hussam al-Tahan, head of Damascus Countryside Security.
In southern Syria's Suwayda province, the local Druze leadership reached an agreement with the government to expand the role of the Ministry of Interior and security forces using local personnel. Plans are underway to secure key towns and the Suwayda-Damascus highway, while efforts continue to prevent further unrest in the region.
Security officials say more than 700 fighters from local factions have joined General Security, with 1,500 more applying. A new military brigade for Suwayda under the Defense Ministry is reportedly being considered.
Meanwhile, Syria TV reported that a drone strike targeted a farm west of Suwayda city, killing at least three people.
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