TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Israeli military launched an airstrike on the Syrian Defense Ministry and near the Presidential Palace in the capital Damascus, as part of an ongoing attack on Syrian forces in the southern city of Suwayda on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
"A short while ago, the (Israeli military) struck the entrance of the Syrian regime's military headquarters in the area of Damascus in Syria," said a statement from the Israeli army after the first airstrike, as reported by Al Arabiya.
Later in the evening, Israel again attacked the capital.
The Syrian government news agency SANA as quoted by Aljazeera said there were casualties following Israel's attack on Damascus, without specifying the number.
The attack occurred after Israel threatened to escalate its attacks if the Syrian government forces were not withdrawn from the southern region of the country, where battles between the Druze and security forces have been taking place. This area has recently become the site of deadly clashes between the Druze and Bedouin tribes, resulting in hundreds of casualties.
Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, said this on X above a video that showed a Syrian presenter suddenly taking cover after a large explosion in the center of Damascus.
In a separate statement, Katz said the Israeli army will continue to operate intensively in Suwayda to destroy the forces attacking the Druze community until they fully retreat.
Israel Claims to Defend Druze
This marks the third consecutive day that Israel has attacked Syria, where the government security forces clashed with local Druze fighters in the city of Suwayda in the south.
Syrian Defense Ministry security sources said that at least two Israeli drone strikes had hit the building, and officials took cover in an underground room.
In his address to the Druze community in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the situation in Suwayda, southern Syria, was "very severe" as the Israeli army continued to launch attacks on the Syrian military, claiming it was to protect the Druze minority community.
Netanyahu said the Israeli army was trying to "save our Druze brothers and to eliminate the regime gangs.”
“And now I have one request from you: You are the citizens of Israel. Don’t pass the border.
“You endanger your life. You can be murdered. You can be kidnapped, and you hurt the [Israeli army’s] efforts. So I ask you—go back to your homes, let the [army] act,” he added.
The Syrian Defense Ministry had previously blamed militias in Suwayda for violating a ceasefire agreement reached on Tuesday, leading the Syrian army to return fire and continue military operations in the predominantly Druze province.
"Military forces continue to respond to the source of fire inside the city of Suwayda, while adhering to rules of engagement to protect residents, prevent harm, and ensure the safe return of those who left the city back to their homes," the statement said.
Rebel attacks led by Sunni Islamist rebel groups ousted the long-standing Syrian leader, Bashar al-Assad, in December, ending a nearly 14-year civil war. Since then, the new rulers of the country have struggled to consolidate control over the territory.
Sunni Muslim leaders faced suspicion from religious and ethnic minority groups. Concerns heightened after clashes between government forces and pro-Assad armed groups in March turned into sectarian revenge attacks that killed hundreds of civilians from the Alawi religious minority, who are part of the Assad clan.
Editor’s Choice: Israel Strikes Damascus Near Syrian Presidential Palace
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