On Wednesday, Israel launched a series of significant airstrikes in downtown Damascus, the capital of Syria. The Israeli military confirmed that the primary targets were critical military installations, including Syria's military headquarters located in the heart of the city, as well as another strategic military site near the Syrian presidential palace.
In a move that underscores the escalating tensions in the region, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz shared a dramatic video on social media platform X, showcasing a live television broadcast from Damascus. The footage captured a building erupting in flames following the airstrikes, emphasizing the intensity of the situation. Katz remarked, "The painful strikes have begun," indicating a calculated military operation aimed at addressing perceived threats.
The aftermath of the airstrikes has been severe, with the Syria Health Ministry reporting that one individual lost their life, while 18 others sustained injuries. This incident highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region, exacerbated by military actions.
The airstrikes occurred amid rising tensions in southwest Syria, particularly in areas inhabited by the minority Druze community, which lies along the border between the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and Syria. Recently, the Syrian military has been engaging in clashes with Bedouin militias, targeting Druze populations. In response to these developments, Israel had conducted previous strikes against the Syrian military on both Monday and Tuesday, asserting that these operations were necessary to protect the Druze community and maintain a demilitarized zone along its border.
This situation is fluid and continues to evolve. As tensions rise and military actions unfold, further updates will be provided to shed light on this complex and critical scenario in the Middle East.