nnOn July 16, 2025, Israel conducted powerful airstrikes on Damascus targeting Syrian government facilities including the Defense Ministry and areas near the presidential palace. The attacks killed at least three people and were in response to deadly clashes between Syrian forces and the Druze minority in southern Syria. Following US diplomatic intervention, Syria agreed to withdraw troops from Suwayda city and implement a ceasefire with Druze militias. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa condemned Israel’s actions while announcing the withdrawal, framing it as a choice to avoid ‘open war’. Despite the ceasefire agreement, prominent Druze leader Hikmat al-Hijri rejected the truce, casting doubt on its sustainability.
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/16/middleeast/damascus-syria-airstrikes-intl