Israel Strikes Near Damascus to Protect Druze as Sectarian Violence Escalates

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Israel carried out an airstrike near Damascus on Wednesday, targeting what it called an extremist group plotting an attack on Syria’s Druze community. Describing it as a “warning operation,” Israel said the strike aimed to prevent further sectarian violence amid rising tensions in the region.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the strike occurred in Sahnaya, a town near Damascus, and was aimed at preventing further attacks on the Druze minority. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized that Israel expects the Syrian regime to take action to protect the Druze community.

Following deadly clashes in the Druze suburb of Jaramana that left at least 13 dead, including Syrian security personnel, the IDF said Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir ordered preparations for further strikes on regime targets if attacks on the Druze continue.

The unrest reportedly began after a Druze man was heard insulting the Prophet Muhammad, triggering retaliation by Sunni gunmen.

Druze protesters in Israel blocked roads in the Galilee on Wednesday, urging government action to protect their community in Syria.

Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, the Druze spiritual leader in Israel, warned, “Israel must not stand by in the face of events unfolding as we speak.” Israel has reaffirmed its commitment to the Druze, citing deep historical and familial ties.

Copyright 1999-2025 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.

More Worthy News

Activists Warn of ‘Assassination of Humanity’ at COP30 Despite Concerns Over Lack of Alternatives (Worthy News Focus)
Activists Warn of ‘Assassination of Humanity’ at COP30 Despite Concerns Over Lack of Alternatives (Worthy News Focus)
Friday, November 14, 2025

An international group of influential climate activists demand a new global treaty to phase out fossil fuels to prevent the “assassination of humanity,” despite growing concerns that there aren’t yet enough alternatives available to sustain global economic growth.

Christian Leaders Thank Trump for Pressure on Nigeria over Massacre of Christians at Vigil in Washington (Worthy News Focus)
Christian Leaders Thank Trump for Pressure on Nigeria over Massacre of Christians at Vigil in Washington (Worthy News Focus)
Friday, November 14, 2025

A coalition of American Christian leaders gathered on the steps of the U.S. Capitol on Friday to pray and “thank President Donald J. Trump” for reportedly designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over the killing of thousands of Christians by Islamic groups.

Student Revival Movement Sweeps NC State as Thousands Respond to Gospel at UniteUS Tour
Student Revival Movement Sweeps NC State as Thousands Respond to Gospel at UniteUS Tour
Friday, November 14, 2025

The student revival movement that has been shaking campuses across America surged again Tuesday night as more than 6,000 students packed J.S. Dorton Arena at North Carolina State University to worship Jesus Christ, hear the Gospel, and respond to the call of salvation.

Trump Administration Under Mounting Pressure To Open Epstein Files (Worthy News In-Depth)
Trump Administration Under Mounting Pressure To Open Epstein Files (Worthy News In-Depth)
Thursday, November 13, 2025

The U.S. Justice Department came under mounting pressure to release all files related to deceased convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, despite strong opposition from the White House and signs that U.S. President Donald J. Trump is reluctant to make the documents fully public.

Mourning France Marks 10TH Anniversary of Paris Terror Attacks That Killed 130
Mourning France Marks 10TH Anniversary of Paris Terror Attacks That Killed 130
Friday, November 14, 2025

France paid an emotional tribute Thursday to the 130 people killed ten years ago during a night of coordinated attacks by Islamic State extremists who targeted cafés, restaurants, and the Bataclan concert hall in Paris.

Trump Administration Reverses Biden-Era Oil Restrictions, Reopens 13 Million Acres in Alaska for Energy Development
Trump Administration Reverses Biden-Era Oil Restrictions, Reopens 13 Million Acres in Alaska for Energy Development
Friday, November 14, 2025

The Trump administration on Nov. 13 finalized a sweeping rollback of Biden-era restrictions on oil and gas development in Alaska, restoring access to more than 13 million acres of the National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska (NPR-A) in a move officials say will bolster U.S. energy security and revive North Slope communities.

US Pushes UN Security Council to Approve Gaza Stabilization Force as Draft Includes Historic Reference to Palestinian Statehood
US Pushes UN Security Council to Approve Gaza Stabilization Force as Draft Includes Historic Reference to Palestinian Statehood
Friday, November 14, 2025

The United States on Thursday urged the UN Security Council to support Washington’s draft resolution establishing an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to secure postwar Gaza and guide the territory into a future “free from Hamas.” The measure — a central pillar of President Donald Trump’s broader Middle East peace framework — has been crafted with input from Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.