Israel Strikes Syrian Capital Amid Clashes with Druse Minority

In a significant escalation, Israeli airstrikes targeted key government buildings in Syria as conflict intensifies with the Druse minority, reflecting deepening regional tensions.

Israel conducted airstrikes on Wednesday in Syria's capital, Damascus, targeting the country’s Defense Ministry and an area near the presidential palace, according to Syrian authorities and a monitoring group. The strikes come amid a warning from Israel to Syrian leaders, closely watching the escalating conflict involving the military's actions against the Druse minority in the southern province of Sweida, where recent clashes have resulted in over 200 fatalities within just four days—the deadliest outbreak of violence in the region in years.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated Israel's commitment to protecting the Druse community, threatening to escalate military actions against Syrian forces unless they withdraw from Sweida. The airstrikes in Damascus reportedly caused substantial collateral damage, with at least nine injuries reported by the Syrian health ministry.

A cease-fire was briefly proclaimed in Sweida on Tuesday, but hostilities reignited on Wednesday as government forces clashed with Druse fighters, underscoring the persistent volatility in the area. This uptick in conflict has elevated concerns about the broader implications for stability in Syria, as well as the potential for increased Israeli military engagement in the region.

Euan Ward, a correspondent for The Times based in Beirut, provides ongoing coverage of the complexities surrounding Lebanon and Syria.