The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) escalated their military campaign today against Syrian regime targets, striking the Syrian General Staff headquarters in Damascus and a military site near the presidential palace. The IDF stated, “The military headquarters in Damascus is the location from which Syrian regime commanders direct combat operations and deploy regime forces to the As-Suwayda area.” These attacks followed clashes in Sweida, a Druze-majority province, where Syrian forces clashed with Druze militias, killing over 250, including 92 Druze, since July 13.
The IDF also targeted tanks, rocket launchers, and armed vehicles heading to Sweida, aiming to block regime advances. “We are acting decisively in the Sweida region, striking Syrian regime targets, we are increasing the pressure and pace of attacks, hitting Damascus and continuing in southern Syria,” said Northern Command chief Major General Uri Gordin.
The strikes, which included over 160 targets since July 14, aimed to protect Syria’s Druze minority, who face violence from government forces and Bedouin militias. Syria’s Health Ministry reported one killed and 18 injured in Damascus, while local media noted significant damage to military infrastructure.
Defense Minister Israel Katz warned, “The warnings in Damascus have ended, now painful blows will come,” vowing to continue until Syrian forces withdraw from Sweida. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized, “We are acting to save our Druze brothers and to eliminate the regime’s militias.” The IDF’s commitment reflects Israel’s alliance with its 143,000 Druze citizens, who serve in the military. Social media posts on X praised the IDF’s precision, with one user noting, “Israel’s strikes show strength for the Druze.” The campaign aligns with Israel’s demand for a demilitarized southern Syria, including Suwayda, to prevent threats to its border.
