Israeli Airstrikes Target Syrian Military Headquarters Amid Sweida Violence

Israeli forces carried out airstrikes on the entrance of Syria's military headquarters in Damascus on Wednesday, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The attack occurred as violence intensified in the southern Syrian city of Sweida, where clashes between Druze militias and government forces have resulted in significant casualties.

Syria's Ministry of Health reported that at least one person was killed and 18 others injured in the strikes. The IDF stated it is monitoring developments in southern Syria and acting "in accordance with directives from the political echelon," emphasizing readiness for various scenarios. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned, "The warnings in Damascus have ended -- now painful blows will come," and said the IDF would continue operations in Sweida until Syrian forces withdraw from Druze areas.

The recent unrest follows the installation of interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa after the ouster of Bashar Al-Assad in December. The Druze, a religious minority concentrated in southern Syria, have had tense relations with the new government. Israel has demanded that Syrian troops not enter Druze-populated regions near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, and has expanded its military presence in the area, citing security concerns and the protection of Druze civilians.

Hundreds of Druze from Israeli-held territory reportedly crossed into Syria to join protests. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Israeli Druze not to cross the border, stating, "You are citizens of Israel. Do not cross the border. You are risking your lives; you could be murdered, you could be kidnapped, and you are harming the efforts of the IDF. Therefore, I ask you -- return to your homes, let the IDF act."

The Syrian government announced a ceasefire agreement in Sweida, including the deployment of internal security forces and police checkpoints, but the situation remains unstable. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported over 250 deaths in Sweida province since Sunday, including 21 people killed in field executions by local groups.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States has engaged with all parties and agreed on steps to end the violence, stating, "This will require all parties to deliver on the commitments they have made and this is what we fully expect them to do."

The ongoing crisis has raised concerns about Syria's stability following the change in government and has complicated efforts to normalize relations between Syria and Israel.