Israel Strikes Armed Group Near Damascus Threatening Druze Community

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) carried out a targeted drone strike on the outskirts of Damascus against an armed group allegedly preparing to attack the Druze community in Suwayda province. The operation followed lobbying by Israeli Druze leader Mowafaq Tarif, who urged Israeli officials to act in defense of Syrian Druze, highlighting the cross-border communal ties between Israeli and Syrian Druze communities. The strike underscored Israel's continued willingness to intervene militarily in Syrian territory to protect aligned communities and prevent hostile force buildup near Israel's border.