In a dramatic escalation of military actions, Israel conducted airstrikes on Damascus, Syria's capital, striking a compound associated with the Defense Ministry and areas adjacent to the presidential palace. The Israeli military confirmed these strikes, which come on the heels of deadly confrontations involving Syrian government forces in Sweida, a region significant for its Druse minority.
As part of its strategic objectives, Israel has aimed to protect this minority and has threatened escalated actions against Syrian government forces unless they pull back from the Sweida region. Following the airstrikes, Syrian authorities reported that a cease-fire had been reached with local leadership in Sweida, although the announcement did little to restrain further Israeli aggression.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio subsequently indicated that the U.S. had engaged with all parties to foster resolution in the ongoing conflicts. However, reports of additional Israeli attacks on military targets in and around Damascus continued as night fell, signalling ongoing tensions.
Israel's intervention in southern Syria stems from two primary concerns: the prevention of Iran-backed militias and hostile militant groups establishing a foothold near its borders, as well as the need to address the fears of its own Druse community, which maintains a close relationship with the Israeli government.
