Key Facts
• July 16: Israeli forces airstrike central Damascus, targeting military sites.
• 3 fatalities and 34 injuries reported by Syrian state media.
• Airstrike captured live during TV broadcasts, causing panic among reporters.
• “SYRIA TV” footage shows military headquarters destroyed, smoke rising.
• Israel claims strike targeted Druze attackers’ command center.
• July 13: Druze and Bedouin clashes in southern Syria leave 360 dead.
• U.S. Secretary of State announces ceasefire agreement on July 16.
• July 17: Israeli military vehicles reportedly enter Syrian territory.
Summary
On July 16, Israeli forces launched an airstrike on Damascus, targeting military sites near the presidential palace and interim government headquarters. The attack, which killed three and injured 34, was captured live on TV, showing reporters fleeing as explosions occurred. Israel justified the strike as a response to protect Druze communities amid ongoing clashes in southern Syria that have claimed 360 lives. Despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire announced on July 16, Israeli military movements into Syria on July 17 raise uncertainty about conflict resolution.
