Israel Launches Rare Strike Near Damascus Amid Rising Sectarian Violence in Syria

Tensions flared on Wednesday as Israel carried out a rare strike outside Damascus, targeting what it called an “extremist group” attacking Syria’s Druze minority. The operation in Sahnaya killed at least one Syrian security officer and wounded several others, Syrian officials confirmed. Israel said the strike was a “warning action” to protect the Druze population after recent violent attacks, including gunfire on civilian vehicles and a Syrian checkpoint that left multiple casualties. The move comes as Syria faces escalating internal unrest between loyalist forces and Druze militia fighters. Syria’s foreign ministry condemned the Israeli action and vowed to protect all citizens, including the Druze. Meanwhile, Syria’s top Muslim cleric urged restraint, calling on all sides to avoid revenge and allow justice to take its course. Israel, which has long portrayed itself as a protector of the Druze community, said it evacuated three injured Syrian Druze into Israel for medical treatment. T