Background of the Strikes
On July 16, 2025, Israeli jets carried out multiple air raids over central Damascus, targeting the Defence Ministry compound and zones around the presidential palace. At the same time, drones hit facilities south of the capital. The operation came after days of fierce fighting in Suwayda province, where Druze groups clashed with local tribes and Syrian forces. Israeli officials say they acted to protect the Druze minority, a group they view as potential partners in a volatile border region.
Details of the Damascus Attacks
First, Israeli aircraft bombed the Ministry of Defence complex in the heart of Damascus. Witnesses saw heavy smoke rising above the damaged buildings. Minutes later, strikes landed near Umayyad Square, close to the presidential residence.
Israeli spokespeople claimed each target served as a military command post directing forces against Druze fighters in Suwayda. Syrian authorities condemned the raids as illegal and vowed to respond, calling the moves an act of aggression meant to weaken Syria’s government.
The Suwayda Clashes
Meanwhile, in Suwayda province, violence had spiraled for more than four days. The unrest began when Druze fighters and nearby Bedouin tribes engaged in tit‑for‑tat kidnappings. Then government troops moved in to restore order but ended up in firefights with Druze militias.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports over 250 dead and dozens wounded in the region. Suwayda’s local leaders delivered mixed messages on any ceasefire, underscoring deep divisions within the Druze community about outside intervention.
Israel’s Strategic Aim
From Israel’s vantage, southern Syria remains critical for national security. The Golan Heights, occupied by Israel since 1967, lies just north of the region. By targeting Syrian military sites, Israel seeks to prevent hostile groups from gaining ground near its frontier.
Its actions also send a message to Syrian authorities that any move to reassert control in Suwayda could invite further air raids. Many analysts say Jerusalem prefers a fractured Syria rather than a unified state that might host hostile forces.
Regional and International Response
Arab states and international observers reacted with concern. Damascus accused Israel of breaching international law and undermining stability. Some governments issued statements urging restraint and dialogue. On the ground, civilians in Damascus described panic as jets roared overhead. Aid groups warned that continued strikes risked worsening the humanitarian situation, especially if fighting spreads beyond military sites.
Personal Analysis
The latest raids underline a broader struggle over Syria’s future. Israel’s willingness to strike deep in Damascus reflects its aim to shape outcomes beyond its borders. At the same time, the Druze community finds itself caught between local rivalries and outside forces.
This dynamic shows how local disputes can draw in regional powers with long memories and firm interests. Looking ahead, any lasting calm will require genuine talks among Syrians and clear guarantees for minority rights. Otherwise, cycles of violence will return, and civilians will bear the cost.
Sources: Al Jazeerah
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