nnIsraeli airstrikes targeted Damascus government buildings, killing at least three people and escalating tensions amid Syria’s Druze community clashes. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced agreed ‘specific steps’ to end the violence, requiring all parties to fulfill commitments. Syria began withdrawing troops from Suwayda following negotiations, while establishing a new ceasefire with Druze militias in the region. The strikes occurred as part of Israel’s campaign supporting Syria’s Druze minority against government forces, despite US diplomatic efforts. At least 169 people have died in recent clashes, with the UN condemning all violence and violations of Syrian sovereignty.
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/16/middleeast/damascus-syria-airstrikes-intl