Israel Attacks Syrian Capital, Says It’s Defending Druze
Syria's security forces drive through Sweida, as smoke rises following Israeli bombardment, on July 15.
Photographer: Bakr Alkasem/AFP/Getty Images
Israel struck Syria’s military headquarters in Damascus on Wednesday and moved more troops to the border in a bid, officials said, to prevent attacks against the Syrian Druze community.
Israeli forces have stepped up operations in Syria since Monday after deadly fighting between Druze, Sunni Bedouin groups and Syrian troops in the southern area of Suwayda. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 360 people have been killed in the violence in recent days, with 27 being executed. The deaths include 207 members of the Syrian security forces, the SOHR said.