World · Middle East · 3 hrs ago
Syria Accuses Israel of Backing Armed Groups in Suwayda
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani accused Israel of backing armed groups in Suwayda, a city in southern Syria, with weapons and money.
He said the alleged support could create chaos and risk internal conflict.
The accusation comes after Bashar al-Assad was ousted in December 2024, when Israel expanded its presence in southern Syria, according to the Syrian government.
A 1974 agreement set up a UN-monitored buffer zone between Syrian and Israeli forces.
Syria also accuses Israel of attacks, forced displacement and arbitrary arrests, and says the fate of dozens of detainees is unknown.
Al-Shaibani called for the agreement to be followed and for the UN to be allowed to carry it out.
US-mediated talks have sought a security agreement, and al-Shaibani said Syria remains committed to reaching one.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani accused Israel of secretly supporting armed groups operating outside state control in Suwayda.
He alleged that Israel was providing the groups with weapons and money, potentially fuelling internal conflict.
Al-Shaibani called on the international community to stop actions by Israel that he said threatened regional stability.
He also urged parties to comply with the 1974 disengagement agreement and called for serious engagement in US-sponsored negotiations.
- Who
- Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani accused Israel.
- What
- He alleged Israel was secretly supporting armed groups in Suwayda with weapons and money.
- When
- October 14, 2026.
- Where
- Suwayda, in southern Syria; al-Shaibani made the accusation at a press conference in Damascus.
- Why
- Al-Shaibani said the support was part of an agenda to create chaos and could trigger internal conflict.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Bashar al-Assad's regime was overthrown.
Syrian and Israeli delegations met in Jordan under US mediation to discuss ending attacks, arrests and Israeli military operations.
Al-Shaibani accused Israel of supporting armed groups in Suwayda at a press conference in Damascus.
- Accuser
- Asaad al-Shaibani, Syria's foreign minister
- Accused country
- Israel
- Location of armed groups
- Suwayda, southern Syria
- Alleged support
- Weapons and money
- Disengagement agreement
- 1974 agreement
- Press conference location
- Damascus
What people are saying
The international community must immediately stop Israel's actions that threaten to plunge the region into chaos.
We are fully committed to reaching an agreement that respects Syria's security and sovereignty.