On Wednesday, Israel launched a series of airstrikes on downtown Damascus, the capital of Syria. The Israeli military confirmed that the airstrikes targeted significant military sites, including Syria’s military headquarters in Damascus, as well as another military installation situated near the Syrian presidential palace.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz shared a video on X showcasing a live news broadcast from Damascus, where a building could be seen exploding behind the presenter. Katz commented on the video, stating, “The painful strikes have begun,” emphasizing the severity of the action taken.
According to Syria’s Health Ministry, the strikes resulted in one fatality and left 28 people injured. These strikes are part of an ongoing series of military actions in the region, which has seen escalating violence in recent days.
Tensions in Southwest Syria
The strikes occurred amid rising tensions in southwestern Syria, particularly in the area populated by the minority Druze community. This group lives along the border between the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and Syria. The Syrian military has been involved in ongoing clashes with Bedouin militias in the region, particularly against the Druze population.
Israel previously launched airstrikes on Monday and Tuesday targeting Syrian military positions in an effort to protect the Druze community and maintain a demilitarized zone on the Syrian side of the border. These actions have added to the already volatile situation in the area.
U.S. Condemnation and Call for De-escalation
Earlier on Wednesday, U.S. Special Envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, condemned the ongoing violence in Syria, specifically in the southern city of Sweida. Barrack called on all involved parties to de-escalate the violence and enter into negotiations for a ceasefire to prevent further bloodshed in the region.
Escalating Conflict and International Reactions
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Syria continues to escalate, with military actions on both sides and increasing involvement from various global powers. As the situation remains tense, the international community, including the U.S., has called for a de-escalation of violence in the region to avoid further casualties and instability. The recent airstrikes in Damascus underscore the fragile nature of the situation in southwestern Syria and the wider Middle East.
