What Sparked Israel's Recent Airstrikes Near Syrian Defense Ministry?

The Israeli military has conducted airstrikes near the Syrian Ministry of Defence in Damascus, coinciding with escalating violence in Sweida. The strikes are part of Israel's efforts to protect the Druze community amidst a failed ceasefire between government forces and Druze armed groups. With a significant Druze population in Syria, the situation remains tense as Israel continues its military operations in the region. This article delves into the implications of these strikes and the historical context of the Druze sect.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 16, 2025, 16:13 IST

Israeli Strikes Target Syrian Defense Ministry

On Wednesday, the Israeli military announced that it had conducted a strike close to the Syrian Ministry of Defence in Damascus. This action coincided with ongoing violence in the southern city of Sweida, where a ceasefire between government forces and Druze armed factions has recently failed.

Israel has been actively targeting government force convoys since the outbreak of these clashes, asserting that its operations aim to safeguard the Druze community.

The Druze, a religious group that originated as a branch of Ismailism in the 10th century, has a significant population in Syria, with over half of the approximately 1 million Druze globally residing there.

In addition to Syria, many Druze also inhabit Lebanon and Israel, particularly in the Golan Heights, a territory Israel seized from Syria during the 1967 Middle East War and subsequently annexed in 1981.