Syria's Sharaa says protecting Druze citizens is 'our priority'

AL-Monitor
Jul 16, 2025
FILE PHOTO: Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa looks on as he attends the “Aleppo, Key to Victory” celebration marking Syria’s liberation, in Aleppo, Syria May 27, 2025. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa looks on as he attends the “Aleppo, Key to Victory” celebration marking Syria’s liberation, in Aleppo, Syria May 27, 2025. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi/File Photo — Khalil Ashawi

CAIRO (Reuters) -Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa said on Thursday that protecting the Druze citizens and their rights is "our priority", as Israel vowed to destroy Syrian government forces attacking Druze in southern Syria.

In his first televised statement after the powerful Israeli airstrikes on Damascus on Wednesday, Sharaa addressed Druze citizens saying "we reject any attempt to drag you into hands of an external party".

"We are not among those who fear the war. We have spent our lives facing challenges and defending our people, but we have put the interests of the Syrians before chaos and destruction," he said.

He added that the Syrian people are not afraid of war and are ready to fight if their dignity is threatened.

(Reporting by Muhammad Al Gebaly; Editing by Himani Sarkar)