Israel’s military said it struck the entrance to Syria’s defence ministry in Damascus on Wednesday, intensifying its operations with the stated aim of protecting the Druze minority in southern Syria.
The strike marked the third consecutive day of Israeli attacks in Syria, amid ongoing clashes between government forces and local Druze fighters in the southern city of Sweida.
Security sources inside the Syrian defence ministry told Reuters that at least two drone strikes hit the building, forcing officers to take shelter in the basement. Syrian state-owned Elekhbariya TV reported that two civilians were wounded.
The Israeli military confirmed it had "struck the entrance gate of the Syrian regime's military headquarters complex" in Damascus. It also said it was "continuing to monitor developments and the actions being taken against Druze civilians in southern Syria."
On Wednesday, Syrian state media and witnesses said Israeli strikes also hit Sweida, a city with a large Druze population. A ceasefire announced the previous evening quickly collapsed as fighting resumed.
Syrian government forces had been deployed to Sweida on Monday to stop fighting between Druze fighters and Bedouin armed groups but ended up clashing directly with the Druze militias.
Local outlet Sweida24 reported that the city and nearby villages were under heavy artillery and mortar fire early Wednesday. Syria’s defence ministry, through state news agency SANA, blamed "outlaw groups" in Sweida for violating the truce and urged residents to remain indoors.
Several residents, speaking to Reuters by phone, said they were sheltering at home without electricity and feared for their safety.
Israeli air strikes on Damascus - targeting the Syrian military headquarters, defence ministry, and areas around it - aim to sabotage Syria's efforts to establish peace and security, Turkey's foreign ministry said on Wednesday.
The ministry said Syria had an historic opportunity to live in peace and integrate into the world after the toppling Bashar al-Assad, the former president, in December.
Israeli airstrikes killed at least seven Palestinians in Gaza on Friday (15 May), including a child, as Israel said it had launched an operation ta...
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington could destroy Iran’s infrastructure “in two days,” while Tehran warned the U.S. would...
Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of central London on Saturday (16 May) as two large-scale protests unfolded simultaneously -...
At least eight people have died and 32 others were injured after a freight train collided with a public bus at a railway crossing in Bangkok on Sat...
President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping sought to project stability and renewed dialogue during a closely watched summit in Beijing...
Israeli airstrikes killed at least seven Palestinians in Gaza on Friday (15 May), including a child, as Israel said it had launched an operation targeting Hamas military commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad.
Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of central London on Saturday (16 May) as two large-scale protests unfolded simultaneously - one focused on immigration and national identity, the other held in support of Palestinians and to mark Nakba Day.
At least eight people have died and 32 others were injured after a freight train collided with a public bus at a railway crossing in Bangkok on Saturday (16 May), triggering a fire that quickly spread through the vehicle.
Baku will host the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) from 17 to 22 May, bringing together around 25,000 participants from 176 countries to address the global housing crisis and sustainable urban development.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran has “no trust” in the United States and will only consider negotiations if Washington shows seriousness. His remarks came as talks on Iran’s nuclear programme continued, with Trump and Xi also opposing Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington could destroy Iran’s infrastructure “in two days,” while Tehran warned the U.S. would face growing economic costs from the conflict. The remarks came as Hezbollah reported new attacks on Israeli forces despite an extended Lebanon ceasefire.
The second semi-final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest 2026 takes place tonight in a rain-soaked Vienna, with the final 10 places in Saturday’s grand final still up for grabs.
Russia and Ukraine exchanged prisoners of war as well as the bodies of fallen soldiers, on Friday (15 May). The swap came as Ukranian officials said Moscow had carried out its largest aerial attack over 48 hours since the conflict started.
A high-powered lawyer representing Elon Musk attacked the personal and professional credibility of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on Thursday, as a landmark federal trial in California nears its conclusion.
Uzbekistan has launched a nationwide environmental initiative titled ‘Day Without Cars’, which will take place twice a month as part of efforts to improve air quality and reduce vehicle emissions.
The thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum will open in Baku on Sunday, bringing together government representatives, city leaders, urban planners, international organisations, businesses and civil society to discuss the future of sustainable urban development.
Matiul Haq Khalis, Director General of Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency, has travelled to Baku to attend the 13th World Urban Forum, where climate change and safer cities will be discussed.
Children laughed, applauded and watched wide-eyed as animated characters lit up the screen at the opening of the ninth Animafilm International Animation Festival in Baku, where filmmakers and audiences from around the world gathered to celebrate the growing influence of animated cinema.
Israeli airstrikes killed at least seven Palestinians in Gaza on Friday (15 May), including a child, as Israel said it had launched an operation targeting Hamas military commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment