Powerful Israeli Airstrikes Hit Damascus Amid Clashes With Druze Militias

Tone & Political Bias: Moderately Center-Leaning

Why: The reporting presents statements from both Israeli and Syrian officials, includes reactions from global leaders, and outlines military actions without clear partisan language.

What Happened

Israel launched a series of major airstrikes on Damascus on Wednesday, targeting government buildings including Syria’s Ministry of Defense. The strikes come as clashes between Syrian government forces and Druze militias escalate in southern Syria.

The Syrian Health Ministry confirmed at least three people were killed and 34 injured in the attacks. A Syrian television broadcast showed the Ministry of Defense being hit live during a segment.

Israel stated the strikes were meant to protect the Druze, a minority Arab sect involved in the current fighting. Syrian officials condemned the attack as a “dangerous escalation” and a violation of sovereignty.

Israeli Justification

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the strikes targeted the defense ministry and areas near the presidential palace. He described the action as “painful blows” in a message shared with footage of the attacks.

The Israeli government says its strikes are aimed at protecting the Druze population, which it claims is under threat from Sunni extremist forces loyal to Syria’s interim government. Israel also cites its broader goal to prevent threats near its northern border.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described Syria’s new leadership as an “extremist Islamic regime.” Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said Israel seeks to maintain the status quo in southern Syria and keep threats away from its border.

Syrian Response

Syria condemned the attacks, accusing Israel of trying to destabilize the country and stir chaos. The Syrian Foreign Ministry said it reserved the right to defend its land and people under international law.

Syria's new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has promised inclusion of minority groups but has faced criticism for the actions of armed Sunni factions loyal to him.

A Syrian government ceasefire proposal with Druze leaders was announced Wednesday, including terms such as a military halt and the formation of a monitoring committee. But divisions within the Druze leadership quickly cast doubt on its success.

US and International Reaction

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the situation as a “misunderstanding” and said the Trump administration was working with all parties to de-escalate the violence. Rubio appeared in a video from the Oval Office alongside President Donald Trump, stating the U.S. expected all sides to fulfill ceasefire commitments made in private talks.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the Israeli strikes and the broader violence in Suwayda and Damascus. He called for a halt to violations of Syrian sovereignty and protection of civilians.

Several Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the UAE, and Qatar, condemned the Israeli strikes. European Council President Antonio Costa and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide also voiced alarm.

The Druze Conflict

The Druze are an Arab religious minority concentrated in Syria’s Suwayda province and parts of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The recent fighting began between Druze factions and Bedouin tribes in Suwayda over the weekend.

Syria claimed to have reached a ceasefire with Druze leaders on Wednesday, including provisions for local security control. However, Druze leader Hikmat al-Hijri rejected the truce and called for continued resistance.

Another prominent Druze figure, Youssef Jarbou, supported the ceasefire and said army forces should return to their barracks. Videos shared on social media showed people waving Druze flags crossing from the Golan Heights into Syria.

The crossings appeared to be in response to appeals from Druze leaders inside Syria for support in the ongoing conflict. Prime Minister Netanyahu urged Druze citizens in Israel not to cross into Syria, reminding them they are Israeli citizens and calling for restraint.

Situation on the Ground

Residents in Suwayda reported a deteriorating humanitarian situation. Fadi Hamdan, a local carpenter, told CNN that the city has been without electricity since Tuesday, with limited internet and water access.

Syria’s Health Ministry reported that “dozens of bodies” were found in Suwayda National Hospital following government withdrawals.

It claimed the dead included both security forces and civilians but gave no further details. As of Wednesday evening, clashes were ongoing and it remained unclear whether any ceasefire agreements would hold.