Israel launches airstrikes on Syria’s defence ministry

Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Syria’s Defence Ministry in Damascus on July 16th, injuring several people and escalating tensions with the country’s new government, according to The Washington Post via Reuters.

The initial strike, which occurred in the early afternoon of July 16th, appeared to cause minimal damage. No visible destruction was reported from the street near the ministry. However, around 3 p.m., two more powerful strikes hit the area of the ministry, as bystanders and journalists were present. Vehicles were later seen transporting the wounded from the scene.

The Israeli strikes came amid ongoing sectarian clashes in southern Syria, particularly around the city of Sweida, involving Druze and Bedouin communities. 

Druze leaders, who have long been wary of government forces in Sweida, are increasingly concerned about Syria’s new Islamist rulers. The community has maintained its own militias as tensions rise.

Israel has increasingly involved itself in Syria’s internal conflict, launching repeated airstrikes against the Syrian government, which have been described by Israeli officials as efforts to safeguard Druze communities and to crack down on “extremist militants.” In addition, Israel has called on Syria to withdraw military forces from areas south of Damascus, near the Israeli border.

In a brief statement on July 16th, the Israeli military said it “struck the entrance of the Syrian regime’s military headquarters.” The statement also noted that Israel would continue “to monitor developments and the regime’s actions against Druze civilians in southern Syria.”

According to Syrian media, Israel also conducted at least two airstrikes in the southern city of Sweida on July 16th.

Previously, Israel’s military said it struck several tanks in southern Syria’s Suweida province on July 14th, amid ongoing sectarian clashes between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin tribes that have killed dozens. The violence reached Suweida city for the first time on July 13th, following months of rising tensions in the region.

Earlier this week, Syrian government forces moved into the Sweida region in an effort to restore order amid ongoing unrest. Although the government announced a ceasefire early July 15th and Druze leaders urged their armed factions to stand down, violence soon resumed.

A Druze spiritual leader who opposed the government in Damascus accused Syrian troops of continuing attacks on civilians and called on his followers to resist.

Throughout the turmoil, numerous reports have emerged alleging that government troops have abused or humiliated Druze residents, with many incidents circulating on social media.

In a statement released July 16th, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa responded to the reports, acknowledging that “violations” had taken place, describing them as “criminal and illegal behavior.”

“Any party responsible for these acts, whether individuals or outlaw organizations, will be held accountable under strict legal procedures and we will not allow them to go unpunished,” the statement declared.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, once the head of a Syrian militant group previously linked to al-Qaeda, led the rebel campaign that ultimately ousted longtime Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad in December.

In a post on X, Thomas Barrack, who served as the Trump administration’s envoy to Syria, denounced the violence against civilians in Sweida. He emphasised that “all parties must step back and engage in meaningful dialogue that leads to a lasting ceasefire.” Barrack, who has been working to mediate between Israel and Syria in pursuit of a de-escalation deal- or potentially a broader agreement- also stressed that those responsible for the violence “must be held accountable.”

The Washington Post via Reuters, Maghrebi.org