US Officials Express Concern Over Israel's Airstrikes in Southern Syria

In a rapidly escalating conflict in southern Syria, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has publicly expressed concern over Israeli airstrikes targeting Syrian government forces, which have now occurred for two consecutive days. The strikes coincide with violent clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin fighters aligned with the Syrian government in the province of Sweida, a predominantly Druze area. According to Rubio, the US is actively engaging with both sides in hopes of de-escalating the situation. 'We’re very concerned about it,' Rubio stated during a press briefing on July 16, 2025. 'We want it to stop. We’re talking to both sides, all relevant sides, on this, and hopefully can bring it to a conclusion.'

The conflict's origins can be traced to long-standing tensions in the region, where the Druze community has historically been marginalized. Reports indicate that Israeli airstrikes were initiated to prevent harm to the Druze minority and enforce a demilitarized zone near its border. According to a Reuters correspondent present in the area, drone activity accompanied the strikes, with four airstrikes reported over the city of Sweida. Eyewitness accounts detailed scenes of destruction, with damaged tanks and civilian casualties observed amidst the chaos.

The Syrian government has reacted strongly to the Israeli actions, condemning the airstrikes and labeling Israel as fully responsible for the violence. A statement from Syria’s foreign ministry asserted that the government is committed to protecting all its citizens, including the Druze. Furthermore, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's administration vowed to take legal action against any violations or abuses committed by military personnel.

The situation was inflamed by a video statement from Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri, a prominent Druze leader, who accused the Syrian military of violating a ceasefire agreement. 'We are being subject to a total war of extermination,' al-Hajri remarked, urging the Druze community to resist what he described as a barbaric campaign. In response, Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra announced a ceasefire, stating that government forces would only engage if attacked. However, reports from Reuters indicated that violence persisted despite the ceasefire declaration, with ongoing shelling reported in Sweida.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a joint statement asserting that the airstrikes were necessary to prevent harm to the Druze community in Syria, emphasizing Israel's commitment to maintaining a demilitarized buffer zone along its border. 'Israel is committed to preventing harm to the Druze in Syria due to the deep brotherhood alliance with our Druze citizens in Israel,' they stated.

The renewed violence poses a significant challenge for interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has struggled to consolidate control following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. The ongoing clashes have displaced thousands of residents and complicated stabilization efforts in the region. The Druze leadership is divided, with some leaders calling for cooperation with Syrian forces while others accuse the government of waging war against their community. The complexities of this situation underscore the fragile nature of governance in Syria and the potential for further escalation in violence if diplomatic efforts fail.

As the international community watches closely, the need for a resolution to the conflict becomes increasingly pressing. The US has pledged its involvement in facilitating discussions aimed at achieving peace, but the path forward remains fraught with challenges. With both military and civilian lives at stake, the implications of the conflict extend beyond the immediate region, potentially impacting broader geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.