Description: Israeli air forces continued bombarding targets in Syria, the latest being the headquarters of the Defense Ministry in Damascus. Sectarian violence entered its fourth day of conflict, with the death toll rising to around 300 dead, further destabilizing the fragmented Syrian state and its newly formed government. Clashes broke out between the Druze and the Sunni Bedouins after a series of kidnappings prompted the Syrian government forces to align themselves in supporting the Bedouins while Israel has assisted the Druze accusing President Al Sharaa and the new Syrian regime of human rights violations while also contesting their legitimacy as a governing power. The US, Turkey and the Gulf states have condemned Israel’s escalation and the opening of a new frontline of warfare in the region, causing continued destabilization and impeding the consolidation of power of the new Syrian government. In the chaos, local residents in the affected city of Suweyda claimed they couldn’t distinguish which side was committing the atrocities as a hospital full of bodies was uncovered on Tuesday, 15 Jul. The Spiritual Council of the Druze confirmed that begging on 16 Jul, a new ceasefire would be in effect after the faltering of the last one.
Impact: The continuation of sectarian violence indicates the fragile state of the new Syrian government and its disputed legitimacy while highlighting weaknesses such as consolidation of power. After the massacres of Alawites in Mar and the attack on the Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus, the recent sectarian clashes risk of fragmenting the country even further fueling instability and plunging the militant groups on either side into a renewed cycle of violence. The debilitated state of governance in the country is abused by dominant and influential regional players such as Turkey and Israel which are clashing over predominance of influence in the country. The new Syrian government, despite being legitimized by Turkey, the US, Saudi Arabia and the UK lacks the capacity of establishing control over state mechanisms of security and is involved in a continuous struggle to integrate ethnic and religious minorities into its socio – economic system. Israel considers Syria a perpetual threat and a flashpoint for Islamic radicalism, making the country a security risk for Israel, prompting their military interventionism. The situation remains fluidly volatile and its deteriorating by the day indicating continuance of the armed clashes in the short – term. International involvement from the US, Turkey and the Gulf states would probably result in some form a ceasefire in the mid – term with the risk of renewed confrontations remaining active.