Syrian Forces Withdraw From Druze Soueida After Deadly Clashes, Over 500 Dead, Following Israeli Airstrike on Damascus

Syrian forces have withdrawn from the southern city of Soueida, a Druze-majority area, following several days of intense conflict that resulted in over 500 deaths, according to multiple reports including the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The withdrawal aims to prevent an open confrontation with Israel, which has conducted airstrikes in the region, including an attack on Damascus on July 16. Israel has stated that its military actions are intended to protect the Druze minority. The clashes involved Syrian government troops and a local minority group under Israeli protection, escalating tensions in the area.