Israel Bombs Syrian Military HQ, Presidential Palace Area in Damascus
Damascus, Syria – Israel has launched major airstrikes targeting Syria’s military headquarters and areas surrounding the presidential palace in Damascus, intensifying its involvement in Syria’s ongoing sectarian conflict.
The strikes, confirmed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Wednesday, come amid escalating violence between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin fighters in the southern Suweida region.
“A military target was struck in the area of the Syrian regime’s Presidential Palace,” the IDF said in a statement.
According to the Syrian Health Ministry, at least one civilian has been killed and 18 others injured in the Damascus attacks.
Netanyahu: ‘Saving Our Druze Brothers’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the strikes, stating that Israel was acting to protect the Druze minority in south-west Syria from attacks allegedly carried out by both Syrian government forces and sectarian militias.
“We are working to save our Druze brothers and to eliminate the regime’s gangs,” Netanyahu declared.
Defense Minister Israel Katz also stated that Israel’s “warnings have ended” and that “painful blows” will continue until threats against the Druze are eliminated.
Background: Suweida Clashes and Druze Involvement
The Israeli strikes follow days of deadly clashes in Suweida, a city heavily populated by the Druze community. Violence erupted after a Druze merchant was reportedly kidnapped en route to Damascus.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports over 200 people killed since the fighting began on Sunday.
Syria’s government has blamed “external actors” for escalating the crisis but condemned Israel’s airstrikes as “criminal and illegal”, warning of “serious consequences.”
Who Are the Druze?
The Druze are a religious and ethnic minority with unique beliefs, rooted in Shia Islam. Roughly one million Druze live across Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and the occupied Golan Heights. They make up about 3% of Syria’s population and often find themselves in a precarious position amid regional conflicts.
US Urges De-escalation
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States is “talking to both sides” and pushing for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
“We’re very concerned about the airstrikes and what they could mean for regional stability,” Rubio said.
Latest Developments:
- IDF confirms targeting of Syrian Defense Ministry
- Smoke billows over Damascus city center
- Syrian government vows to protect Suweida residents
- International community calls for restraint
