Syrian authorities condemned “foreign intervention” in Syria’s affairs after Israel launched air strikes in a small town near Damascus, with government forces and several other groups involved in the deadly conflict.
Syrian indoor sources told Al Jazeera Arabic that at least four Israeli air strikes targeted security personnel in the Druze town of Ashrafieh Sahnaya on Wednesday.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry and Foreign Ministry rejected “all forms of foreign intervention” in a statement, but did not explicitly accuse Israel of the attack. In its statement, the Foreign Ministry added that Syria “affirms its unwavering commitment to protect all components of the Syrian people…including children in the Druze Honor Community.”
Israel said it had already launched a strike against so-called “extremists” in Syria, which attacked members of the Druze community, following what it said was the promise of protecting minorities.
The military said three Syrian Druze citizens had evacuated from Syria to receive medical treatment in Israel.
The strike took place after a confrontation between Syrian government loyalists and members of the Druze military committee, killing dozens of people in two days.
Damascus rural safety director Hussam al-Tahhan told Syria's state-run SANA News Agency that security operations were launched there and reinforcements were sent to ensure "safety and stability" to return to communities in the area.
At least 16 security forces and six combatants were killed on Wednesday, the Syrian Observatory, based in the UK-based war monitor. At least 17 people, including 10 security forces, were killed on Tuesday.
"Extreme Panic"
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a strike against the town of Ashrafieh Sahnaya sent a "harsh message" to the new Syrian government led by interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa.
“Israel wants them to take action to prevent harm to the Druze community,” he said.
Israel's armed forces head later ordered the military to prepare to strike the Syrian government's target if the Druze community faces more violence.
Syria's Druz leaders have repeatedly refused Israeli intervention and declared their loyalty to United Syria.
The latest violence broke out on Tuesday, with clashes between Druze and Sunni groups mainly in the Druze area of Jaramana, ignited by audio clips attacking the prophet Muhammad circulating on social media.
The recording is attributed to the Druze leader. The spiritual authority of the Jaramana Druze community condemned the recording, insisting it was “inciting incitement and sowing between the people of the same nation.”
Syria's new rulers were former opposition fighters who led the rebellion and overthrew long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in December despite urging nation unity and inclusion.
Since the overthrow of Al-Assad in December, Israel has launched hundreds of strikes to Syria, strengthening the attack, which has also been regularly carried out over the past few years and has deployed its troops to a buffer zone of praise from the United Nations in the occupied Golan Heights.
The latest incidents can only increase sectarian tensions in Syria, and ethnic minorities are already at the edge after last month’s terrifying bloodshed.
Hundreds of people were killed in a wary attack in the northern part of Tartous and Latakia after Al-Assad loyalists from the Alavit community clashed with security forces in March.
"Extreme Panic"
Sahnaya residents reported intense street fighting throughout Wednesday.
"We are in extreme panic and fear due to the abuse of shelling, which forces most of us to be completely enclosed at home," said Elias Hanna, who lives on the edge of Sahnaya.
"We are worried that the Holocaust on the coast will oppose Druze near Sahnaya," he said.
The UN said UN violence, especially in the suburbs of the capital Damascus and Homs, was “very concerned” about Syria’s special envoy.
He called for immediate measures to ensure the protection of civilians and prevent inciting tensions in the community.
Tekier's foreign ministry demands that Israel "stop air strikes against Syria."
“In a period of sensitive to Syria, the international community is to contribute to the establishment of security and stability in Syria,” Ministry spokesman Oncu Keceli said in a statement. “In view of this situation, Israel must end its air strikes, which undermines the country’s efforts to achieve solidarity and integrity.”