Israel Hits Syrian Army HQ

Israel has bombed the Syrian military headquarters in Damascus and intensified strikes in southern Syria's Druze-majority Suwayda, where clashes between government forces and armed groups resumed after a short-lived ceasefire collapsed. The attacks follow Israeli Defence Minister Katz's threats against Syrian troops in Suwayda, framed as protection for Druze communities, whom Israel views as potential allies. Syrian state media reported civilian casualties from Israeli drone strikes, while Israel claims it targeted military infrastructure, including tanks and rocket launchers. Tensions escalated further as Druze protesters from the occupied Golan Heights breached border fences, demanding international intervention, with Israeli forces responding with tear gas. The strikes mark Israel's second assault on southern Syria today, compounding regional instability. Israel justifies its actions as pre-emptive defence, but the attacks risk inflaming the conflict between Syrian forces and minority groups. The violence underscores the fragile security dynamics in southern Syria, where local grievances and external interventions continue to fuel unrest.

Al Jazeera’s Nour Odeh reports from Amman while Osama Bin Javaid reports from Damascus.