13 Injured: Israeli strikes hit Syrian presidential palace and defense HQ in Damascus
Israeli airstrikes struck central Damascus on Wednesday, hitting the presidential palace and the headquarters of the Ministry of Defense.
Syria's Ministry of Health confirmed at least 13 people were injured in the strikes, which caused powerful explosions heard across the capital.
According to Israeli media, the coordinated assault also targeted the entrance to Syria's General Staff complex. Channel 12 reported that multiple Israeli military units are currently conducting operations across Syria.
#عاجل 🔴 جيش الدفاع يواصل ضرب أهداف عسكرية للنظام السوري في دمشق🔴هاجم جيش الدفاع قبل قليل مقر الأركان العامة التابع للنظام السوري في منطقة دمشق.🔴يدير قادة النظام السوري من مقر الأركان العامة في دمشق القتال ويقومون بإرسال قوات النظام إلى منطقة السويداء. 🔴كما تمت مهاجمة… pic.twitter.com/Kw3D6nqt7E
— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) July 16, 2025
Israel's Defense Ministry declared the beginning of 'painful attacks on Syria,' while army sources confirmed the deployment of additional fighter jets and drones to the Syrian front. Military radio reported preparations to move two brigades toward the Golan Heights as part of a broader escalation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were aimed at 'rescuing our Druze brothers and eliminating regime armed groups,' referencing the recent violence in Suwayda province between Druze factions, Bedouin gunmen, and Syrian forces.
Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi reportedly ordered a surge in airpower along the Syrian front, emphasizing what Israeli officials called a 'firm commitment' to protecting Druze civilians.
#عاجل 🔴 بعد سلسلة الضربات التي شنها جيش الدفاع الليلة الماضية ضد قوات النظام السوري أوعز رئيس الأركان الجنرال ايال زامير بإرسال تعزيزات إضافية لوسائل جمع المعلومات والاستطلاع ووسائل هجومية إلى جانب الدفع بقوات إضافية إلى القيادة الشمالية لزيادة وتيرة الضربات ووقف الهجمات ضد… pic.twitter.com/R9XqnbGrMI
— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) July 16, 2025
Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz warned that 'warning messages to Damascus are over—now come the decisive blows.'
Meanwhile, the US envoy to Syria urged a return to dialogue and condemned the use of violence against civilians in Suwayda, calling for steps toward a permanent ceasefire.
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