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July 2025 Damascus airstrikes

July 2025 Damascus airstrikes
Part of the 2025 Southern Syria clashes
Damaged Syrian military headquarters after the airstrike
Damascus is located in Syria
Damascus
Damascus
LocationDamascus, Syria
Date16 July 2025
c. 3 p.m. (UTC+3)
Target Syrian Armed Forces
Attack type
Airstrikes
Deaths3+
Injured34+
Perpetrator
This article is part of
a series about
Ahmed al-Sharaa
Personal
Political offices
President of Syria
Incumbent
Syrian civil war
Governments
Fall of the Assad regime
Ahmed al-Sharaa's signature

On 16 July 2025, Israel conducted airstrikes on several government buildings in Damascus, Syria, including the Syrian military headquarters and the vicinity of the presidential palace. The strikes killed at least 3 people and injured another 34. Israel said that it had struck the buildings as a "warning" in defense of the Druze amid the July 2025 Southern Syria clashes. Israel had invaded parts of Syria in December 2024 and proposed a demilitarized zone in southern Syria, forbidding Syrian troops from moving there.[1]

Background

[edit]

Following the fall of the Assad regime on 8 December 2024, Israel took advantage of the power vacuum caused by the fall of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad to carry out an aerial bombing campaign to cripple the Syrian Army and invade parts of Syria and occupy several hundred square miles of territory,[2] declaring the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement with Ba'athist Syria to be void.[3] Despite engaging in peace talks brokered by the United States aimed at ceasing hostilities and normalizing relations between the two nations in late June 2025,[4] Israel had continued to pledge to "protect the Syrian Druze" and warn that it would conduct strikes on Syria if its troops entered the three southern governorates it declared to be demilitarized zones — Quneitra, Daraa, and Suwayda.[5][1]

On 13 July 2025, clashes erupted between Druze and Bedouin armed groups in Suwayda, resulting in the deaths of at least 200 people. Following the Syrian transitional government's decision to deploy the Syrian Armed Forces to the region to restore order, Druze leader Hikmat al-Hijri called for armed resistance against the government and the Bedouin and asked Israel to "save Suwayda."[6][7] Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu subsequently ordered strikes on Syrian forces and weapons entering Suwayda, saying the government "intended to use them against the Druze."[8]

Airstrikes

[edit]

On 16 July 2025, at around 3 p.m., Israeli fighter jets launched multiple airstrikes and missiles on Damascus, damaging the Army General Command and defense ministry buildings adjacent to Umayyad Square, as well as the vicinity of the presidential palace, causing "extensive" damage in central Damascus according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.[5][9] Israel said Syrian commanders in the military headquarters were directing government forces in Suwayda, while the strike on the presidential palace's vicinity served as a "warning" to the government to withdraw from Suwayda.[5] The Syrian Ministry of Health reported at least three deaths and another 34 injuries.[10]

Aftermath

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Following the strikes, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Trump administration had engaged with all parties to end what he called a "troubling and horrifying situation," labeling it a "misunderstanding." A ceasefire agreement was reached, ending military operations and requiring Syrian forces to withdraw from Suwayda.[1]

Reactions

[edit]

State actors

[edit]
  • Bahrain: The foreign Ministry expressed firm supports for Syria's security and stability.[11]
  • China: The spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry, Lin Jian, called for respecting for Syria's territorial integrity and refraining from any actions that could further escalate the situation in the Middle East.[12]
  • Egypt: Egypt condemned the Israeli strikes on Syria. It called for respecting the sovereignty of Syria, opposed foreign interference with the internal affairs of other nations, and stressed the importance to de-escalate tensions.[13]
  • Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly asserted Israel's support to the Druze factions and ordered strikes on Syria, further stating that Israel was committed to the demilitarization policy regarding southern Syria.[14]
  • Iraq: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed strong condemnations of the airstrikes, stressed the importance of de-escalation of the conflicts, and called on the international community to contribute to regional security.[15]
  • Jordan: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the airstrikes. The spokesperson of the ministry, Sufian Kudah, called for an immediate halt of the airstrikes and expressed its support for Syria's security, stability, and territorial integrity.[16]
  • Kuwait: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Israeli airstrikes, referring it as a "sinful aggression". It also supports Syria in preserving its security, stability, and sovereignty.[17]
  • Lebanon: President Joseph Aoun condemned the airstrikes as a threat regional security and called on the international community to exert all possible pressure to halt them and respect Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also denounced the Israeli airstrikes as a clear breach of Syria's sovereignty and international law.[18]
  • Qatar: Qatar expressed concerns over the tensions in Syria and called for accountability over civilian losses. Qatar further condemned the Israeli strikes and expressed full support for the territorial integrity of Syria.[19]
  • Syria: President Ahmed al-Sharaa strongly condemned the airstrikes as "wide-scale targeting of civilian and government facilities" and accused Israel of seeking to sow "chaos" in Syria.[20] The foreign ministry said that Israel's "flagrant assault, which forms part of a deliberate policy pursued by the Israeli entity to inflame tensions, spread chaos, and undermine security and stability in Syria, constitutes a blatant violation of the United Nations Charter and international humanitarian law".[21]
  • Turkey: The foreign ministry condemned the attack as an attempt to sabotage Syria's attempts to achieve peace and stability.[1]
  • United Kingdom: British Special Envoy to Syria, Anna Snow, called for de-escalation in southern Syria, expressing deep concern, she stated that the situation is being closely monitored and urged all parties within Syria to calm tensions and take immediate steps to ensure the protection of civilians.[22]
  • United States: The U.S. State Department condemned the strikes and said it "did not support Israel's recent action in Syria."[23] Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he was "very concerned" about the escalation, calling it a "misunderstanding."[24][1]

Non-state actors

[edit]
  • Hamas: Hamas issued a statement expressing full solidarity with Syria and described the Israeli attacks as a "blatant violation of international laws" and called for a strong response to confront them. Hamas condemned what it called the "heinous Zionist aggression against the Syrian Arab Republic which led to the martyrdom of dozens from the army, security forces, and innocent civilians".[25]
  • Hezbollah: Hezbollah condemned the Israeli strikes, describing them as against international law, and expressed its support for the people of Syria.[26]

Intergovernmental organizations

[edit]
  • United Nations: Secretary-General António Guterres condemned Israel's "escalatory" airstrikes.[1]
  • European Union: The EU urged de-escalation and the implementation of the 15 July ceasefire, expressing its concern over civilian security as well as calls for the respect of Syria's sovereignty and integrity.[27]
  • Arab League: The General Secretariat of the Arab League strongly condemned the Israeli airstrikes on Syria, describing them as a blatant violation of the sovereignty of a fellow Arab League and UN member state and a clear breach of international law. It characterized the airstrikes as acts of "bullying" that must not be tolerated by the international community.[28]
  • Gulf Cooperation Council: The GCC strongly condemned Israeli attacks on Syria.[29]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f Mohammed Tawfeeq; Eyad Kourdi; Catherine Nicholls; Eugenia Yosef; Mostafa Salem (2025-07-16). "Syria withdraws troops from south after days of deadly clashes with Arab minority that drew in Israel". CNN. Retrieved 2025-07-17.
  2. ^ González, Ricard (31 December 2024). "On the Syrian border with Israel: 'The troops threatened to do the same thing to us as in Gaza'". EL PAÍS English. Israel took advantage of the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime to extend its occupation of the Golan Heights — Syrian territory partly taken by Israel in 1967 — by several hundred square miles.
  3. ^ Krever, Mick (8 December 2024). "Watching with trepidation and glee, Netanyahu orders military to seize Syria buffer zone". CNN. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
  4. ^ Berman, Lazar. "Israel in 'advanced talks' for deal to end hostilities with Syria, says senior official". www.timesofisrael.com. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
  5. ^ a b c Ward, Euan; Boxerman, Aaron (2025-07-16). "Israel Strikes Syria's Capital, Sending Warning to Government". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-07-17.
  6. ^ "حكمت الهجري يؤكد استمرار القتال وينفي وجود اتفاق مع الحكومة" [Hikmat al-Hijri affirms continuation of fighting and denies agreement with government]. Syria TV (in Arabic). 16 July 2025. Archived from the original on 16 July 2025. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
  7. ^ "عدوان إسرائيلي على دمشق... والهجري يناشد ترامب ونتنياهو «إنقاذ» السويداء" [Israeli aggression on Damascus... Al-Hijri appeals to Trump and Netanyahu to "save" Suwayda]. Al Akhbar (in Arabic). 16 July 2025. Archived from the original on 16 July 2025. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
  8. ^ "Syria: Israel bombs forces entering Druze city after deadly clashes". BBC News. 2025-07-15. Retrieved 2025-07-17.
  9. ^ Oweis, Khaled Yacoub. "Israel strikes military compounds in Damascus as Syrian government widens attack on Sweida". The National. Retrieved 2025-07-17.
  10. ^ Georges, Salwan (16 July 2025). "Israel bombs Damascus, stoking conflict with Syria's new government". The Washington Post. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
  11. ^ "مملكة البحرين ترحب بإعلان الحكومة السورية عن وقف إطلاق النار في محافظة السويداء" [The Kingdom of Bahrain welcomes the Syrian government's ceasefire announcement in the Suwayada Governorate]. Bahrain News Agency (in Arabic). Retrieved 2025-07-17.
  12. ^ "Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on July 17, 2025". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China. Retrieved 2025-07-17.
  13. ^ "مصر تدين الاعتداءات الإسرائيلية المتكررة على الأراضي اللبنانية والسورية" [Egypt condemns repeated Israeli attacks on Lebanese and Syrian Territories]. Presidency of the Council of Ministers (in Arabic). 2025-07-16. Retrieved 2025-07-17.
  14. ^ "Syria asserts right to defend itself from Israeli attacks amid carnage in Druze area". The Times of Israel. 15 July 2025. Archived from the original on 16 July 2025. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
  15. ^ "Press Release". Iraq Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 2025-07-16. Retrieved 2025-07-17.
  16. ^ "الأردن يدين القصف الإسرائيلي على سوريا" [Jordan condemns Israeli bombing of Syria]. Jordan Ministry of Foreign Affair (in Arabic). Retrieved 2025-07-17.
  17. ^ @MOFAKuwait (July 16, 2025). "الأربعاء 16 يوليو 2025 بيان صادر عن وزارة الخارجية" [Statement Issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, July 16, 2025] (Tweet) (in Arabic) – via Twitter.
  18. ^ "لبنان يدين الاعتداءات الإسرائيلية على سوريا.. ليتحمّل المجتمع الدولي مسؤوليّاته" [Lebanon condemns Israeli attacks on Syria... urges international community to assume its responsibilities]. Al Akhbar (in Arabic). 16 July 2025. Archived from the original on 16 July 2025. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
  19. ^ "Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to QNA: Qatar Follows Developments in Southern Syria with Deep Concern, Calls for Accountability and Promoting Civil Peace". Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 15 July 2025. Archived from the original on 16 July 2025. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
  20. ^ Goldbaum, Christina; Ward, Euan (2025-07-17). "Syria's President Condemns Israeli Strikes on Damascus". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-07-17.
  21. ^ Gritten, David (16 July 2025). "US says 'specific steps' agreed to end Syria violence after Israeli strikes hit Damascus". BBC News. Archived from the original on 16 July 2025. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
  22. ^ "المبعوثة البريطانية إلى سوريا تدعو إلى تهدئة الوضع جنوب البلاد" [British envoy to Syria calls for de-escalation in the south of the country]. Syrian Arab News Agency (in Arabic). 14 July 2025. Archived from the original on 16 July 2025. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
  23. ^ "US State Department: 'We did not support Israel's recent action in Syria'". Ynetnews. 2025-07-17. Retrieved 2025-07-17.
  24. ^ "World reacts to Israeli attacks on Syria's Damascus". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2025-07-17.
  25. ^ "دول عربية تدعو للتهدئة في السويداء" [Arab countries call for de-escalation in Suwayda]. The New Arab (in Arabic). 16 July 2025. Archived from the original on 16 July 2025. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
  26. ^ "حزب الله يدين قصف العدو الصهيوني لدمشق" [Hezbollah condemns Zionist enemy's bombing of Damascus]. Islamic Resistance in Lebanon - Hezbollah (in Arabic). 16 July 2025. Archived from the original on 18 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
  27. ^ "Syria: Statement by the Spokesperson". European External Action Service. 16 July 2025. Archived from the original on 17 July 2025. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
  28. ^ "الجامعة العربية تدين غارات الاحتلال الإسرائيلي على سوريا" [Arab League condemns Israeli airstrikes on Syria]. Syrian Arab News Agency (in Arabic). 16 July 2025. Archived from the original on 16 July 2025. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
  29. ^ "معالي الأمين العام لمجلس التعاون يدين ويستنكر بأشد العبارات هجمات قوات الاحتلال الإسرائيلية على أراضي الجمهورية العربية السورية الشقيقة" [GCC Secretary-General strongly condemns Israeli occupation forces' attacks on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic]. GCC Secretary-General (in Arabic). 16 July 2025. Archived from the original on 16 July 2025. Retrieved 16 July 2025.