Israeli warplanes launched airstrikes on Damascus on Wednesday, targeting the entrance of Syria's Defense Ministry headquarters, as the Israeli government vowed to defend Druze communities caught in intensifying clashes with regime forces in southern Syria. The Israeli military said the strikes were in direct response to violence around the predominantly Druze city of Sweida, where at least 169 people have reportedly been killed this week, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights. Syrian security sources placed the death toll as high as 300.
"Our interests in Syria are known, limited and clear," Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said Wednesday. "First of all, to maintain the status quo in the southern Syrian region, which is also close to our border. And to prevent the development of threats against Israel in this area. The second thing-to prevent harm to the Druze community, with which we have a bold and strong relationship."
Reuters reporters in Damascus said the mid-afternoon strikes rocked the city center, with thick smoke rising from the vicinity of the defense ministry. Syrian state media confirmed the building had been struck, reporting two civilians wounded. Security sources told Reuters that officers in the ministry took cover in the basement following at least two drone impacts.
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the operation in a post on X, stating that it "struck the entrance gate of the Syrian regime's military headquarters complex." IDF officials added that Israeli forces would continue operations in southern Syria, targeting tanks and machine gun-mounted vehicles moving toward Sweida.
"We are surrounded and we hear the fighters screaming... we're so scared," a resident of Sweida told Reuters by phone. "We're trying to keep the children quiet so that no one can hear us." Explosions and gunfire were audible in the background of the call.
The fighting in Sweida erupted after clashes between armed Druze factions and members of Sunni Bedouin tribes escalated earlier this week. Syrian government troops were dispatched to enforce order but soon clashed with Druze militias themselves. Sweida24, a local news outlet, reported that government forces had been shelling villages and neighborhoods with artillery and mortar fire. A Reuters journalist in the city observed regime soldiers looting homes and burning furniture.
Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa-who replaced Bashar al-Assad after his December ouster-has pledged to protect minorities and restore order. In a statement Wednesday, the Syrian government said it was committed to holding those responsible for lawlessness in Sweida accountable and protecting citizens' rights.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a direct appeal to Druze citizens in Israel, warning them not to cross into Syria amid growing reports of border breaches. "You are endangering your lives; you could be killed, you could be kidnapped, and you are harming the IDF's efforts," Netanyahu said. "Therefore, I ask you, return to your homes, let the IDF do its work."
"Israel is committed to preventing harm to the Druze in Syria due to the deep brotherhood alliance with our Druze citizens in Israel," Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a joint statement. Katz warned earlier in the day that "painful blows will come" and reiterated Israel's demand that Syrian regime forces withdraw from the Sweida region.
