On the 16th (local time), Israel conducted airstrikes on Damascus, the capital of Syria.
The Israel Defense Forces stated in a press release that they "attacked a military headquarters near the presidential palace of the Syrian regime in Damascus." The strike reportedly damaged a four-story building adjacent to the Ministry of National Defense. The Syrian Ministry of Health noted that at least one person was killed and 18 others were injured due to the Israeli airstrikes in Damascus.
The Israel Defense Forces explained that the attack was a response to claims that government forces in southern Syria were violently repressing the Druze people. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned that if the Syrian government does not withdraw its forces from Sweida and continues the repression against the Druze, they will intensify their attacks. Earlier, the Israel Defense Forces had entered southern Sweida and attacked the Syrian government forces the day before.
In response to the airstrikes on the Syrian capital, the international community expressed concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East. U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio said, "Israel is in contact with Syria and hopes to resolve the situation," adding, "We are seriously concerned."
In Syria, recent internal conflicts among factions have intensified. According to reports from the AFP and others, clashes broke out between the Syrian government forces and Druze militia on that day. The Syrian Ministry of National Defense condemned the militia for violating the ceasefire agreement signed the day before and announced that military operations would continue.