Syria’s interim president vows to fight Israel as IDF bombs military bases

Syria’s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa said the country is not afraid of war and is ready to defend its dignity, as Israeli airstrikes targeted Syrian military positions and deadly clashes escalated in the south.

“We are not among those who fear war. We have faced hardships all our lives and defended our people, but we placed Syrians’ interests above chaos,” al-Sharaa said, according to Arab media. He accused Israel of trying to turn Syria into a conflict zone and warned against attempts to divide the nation, calling the Druze community an integral part of Syria.

Al-Sharaa said the protection of Druze rights is a priority and that local leaders and militias have been tasked with maintaining security in Suweida province. “We won’t allow any group to distort Syria’s image or its diversity,” he added.

Meanwhile, Lebanon-based Al Mayadeen reported that Israeli fighter jets bombed Syrian army positions in Latakia and Jableh early Thursday, including the 132nd mechanized and 107th armored brigades. No details were provided on casualties.

Israeli social media accounts also reported a military helicopter dropping weapons and ammunition south of Suweida, where violent clashes have intensified between Druze self-defense groups and government forces.

Sky News Arabia said at least 356 people have been killed in Suweida since July 14, including 55 civilians and 79 Druze fighters. Security forces from the Interior and Defense Ministries lost 189 personnel, while 18 pro-government tribal militiamen and 15 internal security officers were killed, the latter during Israeli strikes on Damascus on July 16. Targets included the General Staff compound and the Presidential Palace in Abu Rummaneh, as well as the Mezzeh military airport and the suburb of Al-Muadamiyah.