Israel strikes syrian military HQ and area near Presidential Palace

Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Wednesday targeting the Syrian Ministry of Defence headquarters and areas near the presidential palace in Damascus, marking a dramatic escalation in regional tensions. The strikes come in response to ongoing clashes between Syrian government forces and Druze fighters in the southern city of Suwayda.

Footage circulating online shows at least four powerful explosions hitting the military headquarters in the capital, with thick plumes of smoke rising above the city. Shortly after, another strike reportedly landed close to President Bashar al-Assad’s palace.

The Israeli attack follows days of heavy fighting in Suwayda, where Druze militias have resisted Syrian regime forces. In response to the escalation, Syria’s Interior Ministry announced a ceasefire agreement on Wednesday.

Sheikh Yousef Jarbou, a senior Druze religious leader, confirmed the truce, stating that it aims “to completely halt all military operations in Suwayda by all parties” and “to fully integrate Suwayda into the Syrian state.”

The Israeli Defense Forces have not yet commented publicly on the strikes. However, the incident underscores Israel’s growing concern over instability along its northern borders and its willingness to directly intervene in Syria’s internal conflict when key interests are perceived to be at stake.