In a significant military response, Israel has conducted airstrikes near the presidential palace in Damascus following extensive sectarian clashes that have resulted in over 100 fatalities among the Druse minority.
Israel Hits Damascus in Response to Sectarian Violence
Israel Hits Damascus in Response to Sectarian Violence
Israeli airstrikes target Syrian capital amid escalating tensions involving the Druse community.
Israeli fighter jets executed strikes close to the presidential palace in Damascus early on Friday, a move described by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz as a direct warning to the Syrian government amid rising sectarian violence that has recently afflicted the region. The conflict has reportedly claimed more than 100 lives due to clashes between Syrian government forces and groups belonging to the Druse community, which maintains cultural and familial links with the Druse in Israel.
The recent attack marks the second time Israel has taken military action in Syria in response to the unrest this week. In a joint statement, Netanyahu and Katz emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards any threats posed to the Druse population, reaffirming that Israel would not permit disturbances to spill over from southern Damascus.
The Israeli military confirmed that its warplanes targeted an area near the palace of Ahmed Hussein al-Shara. This individual, once an Al-Qaeda associate, has recently positioned himself as a diplomatic leader after his coalition played a role in the removal of President Bashar al-Assad in December. Israeli officials have voiced significant caution regarding al-Shara’s emerging power.
Following the strikes, there has been no official comment from the Syrian government. Observers on social media reported seeing smoke rising from the site post-attack; however, details surrounding the extent of damage or the nature of the targets remained unclear.
The recent attack marks the second time Israel has taken military action in Syria in response to the unrest this week. In a joint statement, Netanyahu and Katz emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards any threats posed to the Druse population, reaffirming that Israel would not permit disturbances to spill over from southern Damascus.
The Israeli military confirmed that its warplanes targeted an area near the palace of Ahmed Hussein al-Shara. This individual, once an Al-Qaeda associate, has recently positioned himself as a diplomatic leader after his coalition played a role in the removal of President Bashar al-Assad in December. Israeli officials have voiced significant caution regarding al-Shara’s emerging power.
Following the strikes, there has been no official comment from the Syrian government. Observers on social media reported seeing smoke rising from the site post-attack; however, details surrounding the extent of damage or the nature of the targets remained unclear.
