Israeli Military Launches Strikes in Proximity to Syrian Presidential Palace

DAMASCUS, Syria — In the early hours of Friday, Israel’s air force launched a strike near Syria’s presidential palace. This action followed warnings issued to Syrian authorities regarding their movements toward villages populated by members of the Druze minority sect in southern Syria.

The strike occurred after several days of violent confrontations between pro-government Syrian fighters and members of the Druze community near the capital, Damascus. These clashes resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries, heightening tensions in the region.

According to a statement from the Israeli army, fighter jets targeted an area near the palace of President Hussein al-Sharaa in Damascus, although specifics of the operation were not disclosed. Pro-government Syrian media indicated that the strike was aimed close to the People’s Palace, situated on a hill that overlooks the city.

The Druze religious sect is a minority group that originated as an offshoot of Ismailism in the 10th century, which is a branch of Shiite Islam. Globally, there are approximately one million Druze, with a significant portion—more than half—residing in Syria.

The remaining Druze are predominantly found in Lebanon and Israel, including areas such as the Golan Heights, which Israel seized from Syria during the 1967 Mideast War and subsequently annexed in 1981. Within Syria, Druze communities are primarily concentrated in the southern province of Sweida and certain suburbs of Damascus.