Israeli airstrikes in Syria leave 1 dead, 28 injured

Israeli airstrikes targeted key locations in Syria on Wednesday, including the Syrian Defense Ministry and the palace of President Ahmed al-Shara in Damascus, leaving at least one person dead and 28 others injured, reports Al Jazeera.

The strikes are part of Israel's broader operation, which also involved continued attacks on Syrian government forces in the southern region of Sweida.

The southern area, home to the Druze community, has been the site of violent clashes between Druze fighters and Syrian security forces in recent days, with the community seeking greater autonomy. Israeli officials had warned that they would escalate military action unless Syrian forces withdrew from the area.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed airstrikes on military targets, including the entrance to a pro-government military headquarters in Damascus. Smoke was reported rising from the capital following the attack. The IDF’s statement also indicated that operations continued in southern Syria.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a warning following the strike, stating, "The warning in Damascus is over — now the painful blow will come."

Meanwhile, in Sweida, Druze leader Hikmat al-Hijri rejected a ceasefire proposed by Syrian forces, reaffirming the Druze community's resolve to continue fighting until they fully liberate the region.