Israel Strikes Near Syria’s Presidential Palace, Says IDF
Israel conducted airstrikes near the presidential compound in Syria on Friday in response to violence against the Druze minority. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the strikes serve as a warning against such violence. “A short while...
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Israel conducted airstrikes near the presidential compound in Syria on Friday in response to violence against the Druze minority. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the strikes serve as a warning against such violence.
“A short while ago, warplanes attacked the area near Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa’s palace in Damascus,” the Israel Defense Forces announced in a brief statement.
Al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani, led a coalition of Islamist forces that unseated President Bashar Assad in December 2024. The swift takeover of the capital and other cities in western Syria was marked by atrocities against Druze, Christians, and Assad loyalists.
According to Al Jazeera, tensions flared earlier this week in the towns of Jaramana and Sahnaya, situated south of Damascus, following the circulation of an audio clip on social media. This clip featured a man criticizing the Prophet Mohammed and was attributed to a Druze scholar, who has since denied involvement.
In a joint statement on Friday, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz described the IDF strikes as “a clear message to the Syrian regime.” They emphasized, “We will not allow forces to be sent south of Damascus or any threat to the Druze community.”
Syria’s state-run news agency, SANA, reported that order had been restored in Sahnaya after the deployment of security forces. The Syrian Foreign Ministry condemned what it termed “attempts to internationalize the situation,” asserting its commitment to protecting the Druze population.
The Druze, who follow a branch of Islam, constitute approximately 3% of Syria’s population. Reports indicate that some Druze in southern Syria have sought Israeli protection, labeling it the “lesser evil.”
Following Assad’s downfall in December, the IDF entered southwestern Syria, taking control of several towns beyond the Golan Heights, including Quneitra.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
“A short while ago, warplanes attacked the area near Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa’s palace in Damascus,” the Israel Defense Forces announced in a brief statement.
Al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani, led a coalition of Islamist forces that unseated President Bashar Assad in December 2024. The swift takeover of the capital and other cities in western Syria was marked by atrocities against Druze, Christians, and Assad loyalists.
According to Al Jazeera, tensions flared earlier this week in the towns of Jaramana and Sahnaya, situated south of Damascus, following the circulation of an audio clip on social media. This clip featured a man criticizing the Prophet Mohammed and was attributed to a Druze scholar, who has since denied involvement.
In a joint statement on Friday, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz described the IDF strikes as “a clear message to the Syrian regime.” They emphasized, “We will not allow forces to be sent south of Damascus or any threat to the Druze community.”
Syria’s state-run news agency, SANA, reported that order had been restored in Sahnaya after the deployment of security forces. The Syrian Foreign Ministry condemned what it termed “attempts to internationalize the situation,” asserting its commitment to protecting the Druze population.
The Druze, who follow a branch of Islam, constitute approximately 3% of Syria’s population. Reports indicate that some Druze in southern Syria have sought Israeli protection, labeling it the “lesser evil.”
Following Assad’s downfall in December, the IDF entered southwestern Syria, taking control of several towns beyond the Golan Heights, including Quneitra.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
