Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa declared on Thursday that safeguarding the Druze community and their rights is a top priority, amid rising tensions following Israeli vows to target Syrian government forces allegedly attacking Druze populations in southern Syria.
In his first televised address since Wednesday’s powerful Israeli airstrikes on Damascus, which struck the Ministry of Defense and areas near the presidential palace, Sharaa directly addressed the Druze, stating, “We reject any attempt to drag you into the hands of foreign powers.”
“We are not a people who fear war. We have spent our lives confronting challenges and defending our nation. However, we place the interests of all Syrians above chaos and destruction,” he said.
Sharaa emphasized that the Syrian people are prepared to defend their dignity if necessary.
Israel’s latest strikes caused significant damage to key military infrastructure in Damascus, as it warned it would continue to target government forces engaged in operations against the Druze in the south and demanded their immediate withdrawal.