Zionst Terror Regime ‘israel’ Launches Strikes Near Syrian Presidential Palace as HTS Remains Silent
Zionist aircraft have carried out airstrikes near the presidential palace in Damascus, representing the second assault in Syria within a week, as the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham-led administration remains notably silent on the developments.
Since the collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime in December, Syria has been grappling with a vast Israeli presence across extensive areas in the nation’s southern regions. Additionally, the country has faced numerous Israeli airstrikes, largely aimed at military infrastructures that were once part of the former Syrian armed forces.
Israeli authorities have depicted the recent Friday assault as an act of solidarity with the Druze community, currently engaged in conflict with HTS-backed militants near Damascus. This latest surge of sectarian violence, occurring under the governance of the HTS administration, has resulted in numerous casualties, with dozens reported dead or injured.
The Druze minority, historically known for backing the Assad regime, has consistently opposed Israeli occupation and expansionist policies, particularly in the Golan Heights.
In early March, veteran Druze leader Walid Jumblatt issued a warning about an alleged Israeli scheme aimed at partitioning Syria according to sectarian divisions.
Jumblatt has urged Syrians to remain vigilant regarding potential schemes from Israel. He emphasized concerns over alleged sabotage in Syria and potential threats to the broader regional and Arab national security.
The assault on Friday followed a statement by Israeli Interior Minister Moshe Arbel, who urged for prompt Israeli action in Syria, citing the protection of the Druze community as justification.
Sectarian violence erupted this week in the predominantly Druze city of Jaramana, near the Syrian capital, on Tuesday. The unrest was triggered by a voice recording, which reportedly insulted Prophet Muhammad and was believed by regime militants to have been made by a member of the Druze community.
The spiritual leader of the Jaramana Druze community has stated that the audio recording in question was falsified with the intent to provoke discord and create division among citizens of the same nation.
Violent confrontations erupted in Druze regions after a series of massacres occurred in March along Syria’s Mediterranean coast. During these attacks, militants aligned with HTS were responsible for the deaths of over 1,700 civilians, with the majority of victims coming from the Alawite community.
In recent developments, Israeli military operations in Syria have intensified following remarks by Israel’s Minister of Military Affairs, Israel Katz. On Sunday, Katz announced that Israel intends to maintain its troop presence in southern Lebanon and Syria for an indefinite period.
On Thursday, Lebanon’s Al Mayadeen TV, referencing local sources, reported that the Israeli military is setting up two new outposts in the Damascus countryside, opposite the Hasbaya district in southern Lebanon.
Israeli military actions against Syria have shown no sign of abating despite ongoing diplomatic efforts by HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani aimed at engaging with the regime.
Last Thursday, U.S. Congressman Cory Mills revealed to Bloomberg that, following discussions with Jolani in Damascus, Syria’s de facto leader is eager to normalize relations with Israel. Mills further disclosed that he was entrusted with a letter from Jolani intended for Trump.
