Israel strikes Damascus, hitting Syrian Defense Ministry headquarters

Israel launched airstrikes on Damascus on Wednesday, hitting the Syrian Defense Ministry headquarters.

The airstrikes hit hours after a drone strike on the building, The Associated Press reported. At least 13 people were wounded, according to Syrian state media. Another strike hit near the presidential palace outside the capital.

There have been clashes for days in the southern Syrian city of Sweida between the government and Druze armed groups. Israel has already launched dozens of strikes targeting Syrian government troops and convoys, which the country says is in support of Druze, a religious minority group.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said after the airstrike that the “painful blows have begun.”

The Syrian Defense Ministry had earlier blamed militias in the Druze-majority area of Sweida for violating a ceasefire agreement they had reached Tuesday, resulting in return fire from Syrian army soldiers. The ministry said they were “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.”