Syria rejects all foreign intervention amid clashes and Israeli strikes
Members of Syria's security forces deploy in an area near the Syrian capital Damascus on April 30, 2025. (AFP Photo)
The Syrian Foreign Ministry issued a strong statement on Wednesday rejecting all forms of foreign intervention in the country’s internal affairs.
The declaration comes amid intensified clashes near Damascus and a series of Israeli airstrikes in the town of Sahnaya.
“The Syrian Arab Republic clearly rejects all forms of foreign intervention in its internal affairs,” the ministry stated on social media. The ministry condemned recent appeals by armed groups in Syria for “international protection,” calling them illegal and completely unacceptable.
The ministry emphasized that such groups threaten national unity and undermine the country’s ongoing efforts to restore security and stability.
It added that Syria remains committed to protecting all segments of its population, including “the noble Druze sect,” and expressed appreciation for Druze leaders who have played a “wise and responsible role” in preserving civil peace.
UN Envoy Pedersen urges de-escalation after Israeli strikes
In a separate statement, UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen expressed concern over escalating violence, particularly in Damascus suburbs and Homs.
Pedersen condemned Israeli strikes and urged them to stop, stressing the urgent need to protect civilians and prevent further communal tension.
“We are deeply concerned by reports of Israeli attacks. These must stop,” Pedersen said, also calling for accountability for those responsible for incitement and violence.
The Special Envoy also urged immediate measures to ensure the protection of civilians, bring about calm, and prevent incitement of communal tensions, and notes and supports efforts underway in this regard.
He also called for those responsible for incitement and the killing of civilians to be held accountable. He called for full respect of Syria’s sovereignty. He lastly stressed that moving forward requires genuine inclusion and trust-building, meaningful dialogue, and compromise.
Clashes triggered by provocative audio spark deadly violence
The current wave of unrest was triggered by a provocative voice recording posted online on April 28, allegedly insulting the Prophet Muhammad and attributed to a speaker from Sweida, a Druze-majority province.
Protests erupted the following day across multiple cities.
Violence escalated in Ceramane and later spread to Sahnaya, where armed Druze groups clashed with government forces. At least 13 security personnel were killed in the fighting. Syria deployed military reinforcements, including tanks, to stabilize the region.
Israel launches airstrikes, citing protection of Druze community
The Israeli military confirmed it conducted airstrikes in Sahnaya, claiming it targeted a group allegedly preparing attacks against the Druze.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the operation served as a warning and urged Syria to prevent harm to the Druze.
An Interior Ministry source told Reuters that Israeli drone strikes hit Syrian security forces, killing one member. It marked the first Israeli military operation in support of Syrian Druze since the December ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad.
