Israel Launches Airstrikes Near Syrian Presidential Palace Amid Sectarian Violence

Israel's air force launched an airstrike near Syria's presidential palace in Damascus following warnings to Syrian authorities not to target villages inhabited by the Druze minority in southern Syria. The strike was prompted by days of violent clashes between pro-Syrian government forces and Druze fighters near the capital, resulting in numerous casualties. Israeli military sources confirmed that their fighter jets struck adjacent to the residence of President Hussein al-Sharaa, while Syrian media reported impacts close to the People's Palace. The Druze, a religious minority with a significant presence in Syria, are at increased risk amid these sectarian tensions. The incident marks an escalation in regional hostilities and highlights the precarious position of minority groups within the ongoing Syrian conflict.