Israeli fighter jets launched airstrikes near the presidential palace in Damascus early Friday, amidst escalating sectarian violence that has escalated in recent days, resulting in over 100 fatalities in clashes involving pro-government forces and members of Syria's Druse community. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a joint statement emphasizing that these strikes serve as a warning to the Syrian regime, asserting Israel will not tolerate threats against the Druse community, which shares close ties with Druse residents in Israel.
Israel Conducts Airstrikes Near Syrian Presidential Palace Amid Escalating Sectarian Violence
Israel Conducts Airstrikes Near Syrian Presidential Palace Amid Escalating Sectarian Violence
In a marked escalation, Israeli military strikes target Damascus following recent deadly clashes between Syrian forces and the Druse minority.
Friday's military action marks a second intervention within the same week as sectarian tensions have surged. The Israeli military clarified that the target was the vicinity of Ahmed Hussein al-Shara's palace, allegedly tied to the Syrian government's leadership. Al-Shara, a controversial figure previously linked to Al Qaeda, has established a political stance following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, causing concern among Israeli authorities.
The strikes prompted no immediate response from the Syrian government, and while images circulating on social media captured smoke rising above Damascus, the full extent of damage from the attacks remains unclear. As the situation in Syria continues to deteriorate, the regional implications of these military actions raise urgent questions about the conflict's trajectory and the impact on the Druse population both within Syria and across the border in Israel.
The strikes prompted no immediate response from the Syrian government, and while images circulating on social media captured smoke rising above Damascus, the full extent of damage from the attacks remains unclear. As the situation in Syria continues to deteriorate, the regional implications of these military actions raise urgent questions about the conflict's trajectory and the impact on the Druse population both within Syria and across the border in Israel.
