Israel has carried out a rare attack on government forces in Syria, targeting the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon in a bid to secure its northern border. The strikes escalated sectarian violence in the region, with dozens killed in clashes between government forces and local Druse fighters in southern province of Sweida.
The Syrian government condemned the Israeli attack, saying it aimed to undermine stability in the country. In neighboring Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes targeted facilities belonging to Hezbollah’s Radwan unit, killing 12 people most of whom were Syrians who work in agriculture.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the attacks were a “clear message” to both Hezbollah and the Lebanese government that Israel would respond with “maximum force” to any attempt by the group to restore its military capabilities. The strikes are part of an effort by Israel to pressure Hezbollah into disarmament, but the group has refused to lay down arms nationwide.
The US special envoy to Syria Thomas J Barrack Jr said Washington was mediating to restore calm in the region. However, tensions remain high, with Lebanese authorities warning that they may suspend cooperation with a US-backed mechanism if such unilateral actions continue.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/15/world/middleeast/airstrikes-israel-syria-lebanon.html