Syria fears possible Israeli-backed Druze offensive in Sweida, Syrian official tells i24NEWS
Syria believes Israel is arming and supplying Druze militias for an offensive in southern Syria
The Syrian government is increasingly worried that Druze militias currently in control of Sweida province will launch an offensive against government forces with Israeli support, a Syrian official told i24NEWS on Monday.
These comments came as tensions rose in southern Syria, with the government of Ahmed al-Sharaa deciding how to respond.
The official said that new information coming from Sweida suggests that the militias are preparing an operation against the government.
The official pointed to the increase in the number of troops on the front line as well as statements by prominent Druze leaders indicating that an operation to reclaim the entirety of Sweida province was coming.
The Syrian government assesses that any Druze operation would receive support from Israel.
The official said that Israel has already stepped up reconnaissance flights over Damascus and southern Syria.
He also claimed that an Israeli helicopter landed in Sweida and "delivered significant quantities of weapons and ammunition."