Israel has launched major attack on Syrian capital Damascus, deploying two divisions of troops to the Golan Heights and the Syrian border.
According to the Israeli military, a warning was issued against an attack on the Syrian presidential palace, with several people feared dead following Israel’s strikes on Damascus.
Arab media reports claimed that Israel bombed the Defence Ministry building in Damascus, damaging the upper floors.
The Israeli defence minister stated that intense attacks have begun in Damascus and that preparations are underway for a war expected to last several days in Syria.
The Syrian state news agency SANA, citing the Ministry of Health, reported that at least nine people were injured in Israeli airstrikes targeting central Damascus.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said that after several night attacks on the Syrian government, Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir has ordered an intensification of operations to prevent attacks on the Druze community in Syria. Additional troops and weapons are being deployed to the Northern Command.
According to the IDF, it maintains a strong alliance with the Druze community and is carrying out strikes at various locations in Syria to protect them, particularly in As-Suwayda (Druze Mountain) and other threatened areas.
Further troops will be sent to the 210th Division’s outposts along the border to enhance security. Any attempts to cross into Israel from Syria could threaten both the Druze population and Israeli soldiers and such incursions must be stopped immediately.
