Israel has confirmed it carried out an airstrike near the presidential palace in Damascus, issuing a stern warning to the Syrian regime over its actions near southern Damascus and threats to the Druze community.
In a joint statement on Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said, “This is a clear message to the Syrian regime. We will not allow forces to be sent south of Damascus or any threat to the Druze community.” The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) also confirmed the strike, targeting the area around the palace of Ahmed Hussein al-Shara, according to a post on X.
The strike comes amid escalating sectarian violence in Jaramana and Sahnaya, where the Druze minority has come under heavy attack. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that at least 101 people were killed in recent clashes, including 30 government fighters, 21 Druze fighters, and 10 civilians — among them Sahnaya’s former mayor Husam Warwar.
Tensions flared after an audio clip allegedly insulting the Prophet Muhammad surfaced online. Though attributed to Druze scholar Marwan Kiwan, he denied any involvement, releasing a video refuting the claims. Nevertheless, the audio provoked outrage and deadly clashes between Sunni Muslims, Druze fighters, and pro-government forces.
Prominent Druze leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri described the attacks as a “genocidal campaign” against his community.
US Condemns Violence
The United States also weighed in, condemning the violence against the Druze. US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the attacks were “reprehensible and unacceptable” and called on Syrian authorities to end the violence, hold perpetrators accountable, and safeguard all Syrian communities.
“Sectarianism will only sink Syria and the region into chaos and more violence,” she warned, urging peaceful negotiation and a representative government that protects all minorities.