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Israel strikes Damascus over Druze clashes in Syria’s south

Smoke rises from clashes between Syrian government forces and Druze militias in Sweida earlier this week — Smoke rises from clashes between Syrian government forces and Druze militias in Sweida earlier this week (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Loud explosions were heard in Damascus after Israel launched airstrikes on Syrian military headquarters, following days of sectarian conflict in southern Syria.
The Israeli military said it attacked Syria's military headquarters to monitor and protect Druze civilians in Sweida, southern Syria.
This comes after at least 200 people were killed in fighting between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes since Sunday.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed his commitment to preventing harm to Syrian Druze due to their strong ties with Druze in Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
Syria's foreign ministry has declared Israel fully responsible for the recent attacks, while the ongoing violence highlights the new Syrian government's struggle to control and gain trust from minorities.

Israel targets Syrian capital after days of sectarian fighting — In full