Syria has declared itself categorically against any foreign interference in its internal affairs, the country's Foreign Ministry said. The statement was issued after an Israeli air strike, which Tel Aviv said was aimed at "extremists" preparing attacks on the Druze community in Syria, Reuters and Agence France-Presse reported, BTA reports.
The Syrian diplomatic statement did not directly mention Israel, but condemned calls that authorities say come from banned groups involved in the violence in the country.
“The Syrian Arab Republic reaffirms its firm commitment to protecting all segments of the Syrian people without exception, including members of the Druze community, which has always been and will remain an integral part of the nation“, the position also said. The authorities emphasize that they “categorically oppose any foreign interference“.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that three Syrian Druze were evacuated for treatment in Israel after religious clashes near Damascus.
Israel has already announced that it is committed to protecting the Druze community in Syria and clarified that the attack was in response to violence targeting members of this minority.