Damascus rejects foreign meddling, slams 'Israel' Druze pretext

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English
30 Apr 2025 22:43
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Damascus firmly rejects foreign interference, denounces calls for illegitimate international protection, and reaffirms its commitment to national unity and safeguarding all citizens, including the Druze community.

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Members of Syria's new security forces deploy during an operation on the edge of the town of Sahnaya, south of Damascus, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP)

The Syrian interim Foreign Ministry issued a firm statement rejecting all forms of foreign interference in the country’s internal affairs, denouncing calls from outlaw groups involved in violent actions demanding so-called "international protection" as illegitimate and unacceptable.

"These appeals by parties acting outside the framework of the law represent a clear attempt to internationalize a situation that is already being addressed by state institutions," the ministry said.

Damascus warned that such actions "pose a direct threat to the country’s unity and undermine national efforts aimed at restoring security and stability."

Syria vows to protect all citizens, rejects external pressure

Syria reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding all components of the Syrian population without exception, including members of the Druze community. The government expressed its appreciation for the responsible role played by Druze religious leaders in helping to prevent sedition and uphold civil peace.

The Foreign Ministry reiterated that all national issues are to be resolved solely through domestic mechanisms, firmly rejecting any external dictates or interference.

“The sovereignty of Syria is not up for discussion or negotiation,” the statement concluded.

'Israel' bombs Syrian administration, citing threats to Druze minority

This comes after Israeli forces carried out a series of airstrikes on the outskirts of Damascus on Wednesday, claiming the operation aimed to prevent an attack on Syria's Druze population.

#BreakingNews 🇮🇱

Israeli warplanes have been conducting intensive flights in Syrian airspace.pic.twitter.com/OcDC09MH84
— Batu Han (@19BaTHaN19) April 30, 2025

The strikes reportedly hit positions near Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, a town southwest of the capital where clashes have been reported between armed Druze and Syrian security forces.

A spokesperson for the Israeli military stated that the operation targeted an "extremist group" preparing to assault Druze civilians in Sahnaya. Channel 14 confirmed that the Israeli Air Force had launched four separate strikes "to send messages regarding the need to protect the Druze."

In a related note, Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Security Minister Israel Katz, said they expected the Syrian government to intervene to stop such threats.

The narrative aligns with "Israel's" long-documented practice of weaponizing Druze identity for geopolitical ends, particularly in the occupied Golan Heights, where Druze communities continue to reject Israeli annexation.

Local reports indicate the death toll of the recent clashes reached 100 dead, and an unknown number of injured are being reported.