Syrian media reported on the 16th that Israel launched airstrikes on areas near the Syrian 'Presidential Palace' and the 'General Staff' building, resulting in 3 deaths and 34 injuries.
According to Syrian media outlet 'Sham FM', Israel carried out airstrikes on the area near the Syrian 'Presidential Palace' located in the north of Damascus and launched multiple airstrikes on the 'General Staff' building in downtown Damascus.
Videos released by the media show that the building was bombed multiple times, suffered severe damage, and thick smoke was seen rising at the scene.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry issued a statement 'strongly condemning in the strongest terms' Israel's acts of aggression against government institutions and civilian facilities in the capital Damascus and the southern province of Suwayda.
In addition, the Israeli Defense Forces released a statement saying that over the past day, the IDF attacked tanks, rocket launchers, weapons, and pickup trucks equipped with heavy machine guns that were being transported to the Suwayda province in southern Syria, and that they will continue their strikes. Roads leading to the area have been blocked.
The statement said that the IDF will continue to monitor developments in Syria and actions by the Syrian regime against Druze in the south.
On the 13th of this month, fierce clashes broke out between Druze armed factions and Bedouin tribes in Suwayda province. Armed forces from the Syrian regime's interior and defense ministries then intervened and exchanged fire with some Druze armed groups. The days-long conflict has resulted in many casualties.