Syrian security sources: Israeli airstrike hits Syria's defense ministry in Damascus

Syrian security sources: Israeli airstrike hits Syria's defense ministry in Damascus

Syrian security sources have confirmed that an Israeli airstrike targeted the Ministry of Defense in Damascus on July 1, 2025. The strike, which occurred hours after the Syrian government declared a ceasefire in the Druze city of Suwayda, has resulted in significant damage to the ministry's infrastructure and raised concerns about the escalating conflict in the region.

The Syrian Ministry of Defense, in a statement, condemned the Israeli attack as a violation of international law and a threat to regional security. The ministry noted that the airstrike came as Syrian forces were attempting to restore order and prevent further violence in Suwayda, where fighting between Bedouin tribes and local Druze fighters had resumed hours after a ceasefire was announced.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have maintained that their actions are aimed at protecting the Druze minority, which is concentrated in the southern Syrian province of Suwayda. The IDF has claimed that the strikes were necessary to prevent the Syrian regime from harming the Druze community. However, the Syrian government has accused Israel of supporting armed groups that are fighting against its forces.

The latest developments in Syria come as the conflict in the region continues to escalate. In recent months, Israel has launched numerous airstrikes on Syrian territory, averaging one every three to four days. The strikes have targeted various military installations and infrastructure, including the presidential palace in Damascus. The IDF has also been involved in a series of clashes with the Druze community, which has called for Israeli assistance in the face of violence from Syrian state forces.

The Syrian government has been struggling to re-establish security and stability in the country since the overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The conflict has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement of millions of people, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

The escalating violence in Syria has also drawn international attention and concern. The United States, which has been involved in the conflict through various diplomatic and military efforts, has called for a peaceful resolution and has expressed its support for the Syrian government's efforts to restore order and stability.

The Israeli airstrike on the Ministry of Defense in Damascus has further complicated the situation in Syria and raised questions about the future of the conflict. As the region continues to grapple with the aftermath of the ouster of President Assad, the international community will be closely watching developments and considering how to address the growing instability.

References:
[1] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/16/israel-bombs-syrias-druze-city-of-suwayda-hours-after-ceasefire
[2] https://www.yahoo.com/news/iran-claims-president-injured-israeli-150039641.html
[3] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-14/israel-strikes-syria-after-new-clashes-involving-druze-minority