Israel launched multiple airstrikes in Damascus and southern Syria targeting areas near the Ministry of Defense and Presidential Palace. The operation aims to protect the Druze community in Sweida and suppress pro-government forces attacking them. The Syrian government condemned the attacks, accusing Israel of escalating tensions and destabilizing the region. Over 250 people have died in ongoing clashes between Druze, Bedouin tribes, and Syrian security forces in Sweida province, raising concerns about the worsening conflict in Syria.

Israel launched an airstrike targeting Syria’s state TV headquarters in central Damascus. A viral video shows a news anchor fleeing mid-broadcast as explosions hit nearby. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz shared the footage online. Israel claims its ongoing three-day offensive aims to protect Syria’s Druze minority and establish a demilitarized zone in southwestern Syria. Analysts believe the attacks also target Iranian-Syrian military positions.

Israeli forces launched a severe airstrike near Syria’s Ministry of Defense and Presidential Palace, killing one person and injuring 18 others—several critically—according to Syria’s state news agency SANA.

Just hours before the strike, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz had threatened action unless Syrian troops withdrew from Suwayda amid growing tensions between pro-government forces and local Druze militias. While Israel has not formally claimed responsibility, it continues targeting Iranian-backed groups in Syria.

At least 30 people have been killed and over 100 injured in intense overnight clashes between local security forces and armed Druze factions in the Syrian city of Sweida, according to reports from Sunday night.

The Syrian Ministry of Interior announced that security forces would intervene directly to restore order. Local media reported that the Damascus-Sweida highway has been shut down due to the violence. Similar deadly confrontations occurred in April and May. Sweida Governor Mustafa Al-Bakour has urged the public to remain calm as tensions continue to escalate.

Close sources from the Syrian presidency confirm that interim President Ahmad al-Shara attended at least one secret meeting with Israeli officials in Baku, Azerbaijan. However, Damascus has officially denied the allegations. The discussions, jointly organized by Israel and the United States, covered sensitive issues including Iran’s influence, Hezbollah, the resettlement of Gaza refugees, and a potential security agreement. Talks also touched on opening an Israeli coordination office, signaling a possible shift in Syria-Israel relations. Both parties have yet to make public comments on the matter.

The United States has removed Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from its list of foreign terrorist organizations, marking a significant policy shift under President Trump. The move follows HTS’s leadership in overthrowing Bashar al-Assad and the swearing-in of Ahmed al-Shara as Syria’s new president. Trump earlier lifted U.S. sanctions on Syria after meeting al-Shara in Riyadh. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the decision a step toward peace. Syria welcomed the move and hopes for broader international engagement.

Syria's interim government has introduced a new national emblem—the Golden Eagle—as a symbol of hope, sovereignty, and democratic aspirations following years of conflict. Featuring three stars and symbolic feathers, it represents unity, resistance, and the country’s five regions and 14 provinces. President Ahmed al-Sharaa called it a sign of rebirth, moving beyond Bashar al-Assad’s autocratic rule. Celebrations erupted nationwide, while officials highlighted efforts to redefine Syria’s global image. The emblem will soon appear on official documents, including passports and ID cards.

At least seven people were killed and several others injured following a powerful explosion in Syria’s central Hama province. The blast occurred after a fire broke out in a fuel tanker in a rural area located north of Damascus and southwest of Aleppo. Local media reported the incident citing a source from the provincial police. The number of casualties is considered preliminary and may rise. The cause of the explosion remains unknown, but authorities have launched an investigation to determine what triggered the deadly blast.

After 14 years of civil war, Syria is exploring the possibility of normalizing ties with Israel, facilitated by the UAE and supported by U.S. mediation. Talks have reached an advanced stage, focusing on a security agreement similar to the 1974 ceasefire. Key conditions include the removal of Turkish and Iranian-backed forces from Syria and demilitarization of southern regions. Despite deep-rooted hostility, both sides see potential for peace, though challenges remain, particularly over Israel’s control of the Golan Heights.

The United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Syria has welcomed recent promises by Syrian authorities to protect the rights of minorities, calling the move “encouraging.” However, the Commission also reported continued violence against the Alawite community.

Paulo Pinheiro, Chair of the UN Commission, stated that the Syrian government has granted investigators “unrestricted access” to coastal areas affected by recent violence. “Despite this progress,” he said, “we continue to receive reports of killings, arbitrary arrests, and the confiscation of property belonging to Alawites who fled during the March violence.”

Pinheiro noted that the Commission has documented the abduction of at least six Alawite women this spring by unidentified individuals—two of whom remain missing. He praised the Syrian government's formation of a special investigative committee to look into these incidents, citing official statements that “numerous suspected attackers” have already been arrested.

In addition, Pinheiro condemned the recent Daesh (ISIS) attack on a church, describing it as a grave act of religious violence.

A US military base in Syria's Kasruk region came under mortar attack amid ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, according to Iran’s Mehr News Agency. Details about the attackers, nature of the assault, or the extent of damage remain unclear. Following the incident, US forces secured the area and heightened surveillance. Eyewitnesses reported heavy drone and helicopter activity in the vicinity.

A suicide bombing at the Mar Elias Church in Damascus’ Dweilaa district has left at least 20 people dead and over 50 injured. Syria's Ministry of Interior confirmed the attacker was a member of the ISIS terrorist group. The assailant first opened fire before detonating an explosive vest inside the church. Authorities reported a second suspect was involved; one perpetrator died on the spot. Syrian officials labeled it a deliberate attempt to ignite sectarian conflict, while Turkey expressed hope for unity against terrorism. The UN has condemned the attack.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel launched a targeted strike near the presidential palace in Damascus, Syria, on Thursday. He reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to protecting the Druze community living in Syria. Reuters noted that the strikes reflect Israel’s deep mistrust of Syria’s ruling Islamist faction, which ousted President Bashar al-Assad last December. Israel has warned that any deployment of Syrian forces or threats to the Druze community in southern Damascus will not be tolerated. Recent sectarian violence in Sahnaya, Damascus, left 40 people dead — an area populated by both Druze and Christians.

An Israeli airstrike near Damascus early Wednesday killed at least 16 people. Israel claims the strike targeted an extremist group planning attacks on the Arab Druze minority in the Sahnaya area. Syria’s Interior Ministry confirmed the casualties and said a newly recruited member of Syria’s security forces was among the dead.

Russia has declined to extradite former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, despite growing pressure from Syria’s new government under President Ahmed Al-Shara to bring him back for trial over crimes against the people. Russian Ambassador to Iraq, Alparus Kutrashev, said Assad continues to reside in Moscow under the condition of avoiding media and political activities. “President Putin made the decision to grant him asylum, and that remains unchanged,” he said.