Israel carried out a series of powerful strikes on the Syrian capital Damascus, escalating a campaign it says is in support of a minority Arab group embroiled in deadly clashes with Syrian government forces.
At least three people were killed and 34 others wounded in the attacks, the Syrian Health Ministry told CNN. Israel has intensified its campaign despite pressure from the United States, which has taken steps to end Syria's international isolation.
Syria has strongly condemned Israel for attacking several government buildings in Damascus on Wednesday, calling the attacks on targets, including the Defense Ministry, a "dangerous escalation," A2 writes.
“This open attack, which comes in the context of a systematic policy pursued by the Israeli entity to inflame tensions, create chaos and undermine security in Syria,” the country’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. Syria said it would “reserve its full legitimate rights to defend its land and people by all means guaranteed by international law,” the statement added.
A video from a Syrian TV channel showed the Defense Ministry building being hit live on air during the latest attacks, forcing the show's host to hide. At a press conference held by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), a military official confirmed that Israel had targeted the ministry and an area near the presidential palace.
The country's Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, said the US was "very concerned" about Wednesday's attacks. "We're talking to both sides, all the relevant parties, and we hope we can bring this to a conclusion, but we are very concerned," Rubio added.
The Druze, an Arab sect of about a million people living mainly in Syria, Lebanon and Israel, practice a branch of Islam that does not allow conversion - either to or from the religion - and no intermarriage. The Druze are made up of a network of groups with multiple figures. (A2 Televizion)
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