Latest Damascus News | Top Damascus News Headlines Today | Today India news | Breaking Damascus News Today | English Damascus News Headlines - TheDailyGuardian

Israel Strikes Near Syrian Presidential Palace in Warning Over Druze Threats

May 2, 2025, 11:58 am

Israel has conducted an air raid near the Syrian Presidential Palace in Damascus, targeting the location of the interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s official residence directly. The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) stated that its fighter jets conducted the pre-dawn Friday attack. This came after heavy exchanges of gunfire between pro-regime gunmen and Syria’s minority Druze sect fighters.

Evidently, the attack was not indiscriminate — it was a calculated warning.

Strike Was Symbolic and Strategic

The IDF reported that missiles hit targets close to President Hussein al-Sharaa’s palace. Syrian media reported that Israeli warplanes attacked areas close to the People’s Palace, which is located on a hillside overlooking the city of Damascus.

Because of this positioning, the message of Israel was received clearly: stay away from the Druze people.

Netanyahu, Katz Mark Israel’s Red Lines

Soon after the attack, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz and PM Benjamin Netanyahu expressed their support. In their statement, they asserted, “This is a clear message to the Syrian regime. We will not allow forces to be sent south of Damascus or danger to the Druze population.”

Their statements had made it clear — Israel will respond wherever Druze are threatened. More, the action is one of the rare instances Israel explicitly links combat to protect a cross-border minority — one with similar deep-seated roots in its own nation.

US Steps in, Decries Violence

In the meantime, US had something to say on the matter. The State Department condemned the violence against Syria’s Druze and demanded justice. Spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said, “The recent violence and inciting rhetoric against members of the Druze community in Syria is reprehensible and unacceptable.”

Apparently, global attention is focusing on the civil war within Syria.

Druze leaders in Israel urge restraint

From inside Israel, senior Druze voices also chimed in. Israel’s Druze spiritual leader, Sheikh Muafak Tarif, and MK Hamad Amar called on Syrian Druze protesters to return home and off the roads. They called for peace as tensions were on the verge of spiraling out of control.

Their appeal highlighted the deep concern voiced by Druze communities on both sides of the border.

Ancient Sect Meets New Challenges

The Druze have a distinctive religious tradition — a medieval branch of 10th-century Ismaili Shiism. They remain a vulnerable minority in Syria. Violence flared recently after an audio clip insulting Prophet Muhammad was circulated. While Druze cleric Marwan Kiwan has denied posting the recording, the backlash soon gained strength.

As a result, the Druze once again found themselves caught in the middle of sectarian fury.

This Israeli raid highlights more than military skill — it highlights the tenuous place of the Druze in West Asian geopolitics. Traditionally outside the grander regional politics, now the Druze are situated at the intersection of religious, identity-based, and strategic fault lines.

If Syria pushes further into south Druze territory, or if the provocations continue, Israel will ratchet up its retaliation. The area stands on the brink. What appears today a border skirmish can tomorrow become a much larger regional war. The world must wake up — before it’s too late.

Israel Strikes Key Syrian Military Sites In Damascus After Assad’s Fall

December 14, 2024, 4:10 pm

An intelligence source who asked to remain anonymous associated the airstrikes in Barzeh, a suburb of the Syrian capital, with the internal Israeli efforts aimed at the destruction of Syria’s military potential. The order was given at approximately 6:00 AM. Many residents report hearing explosions and Israeli aircrafts, but rather the former than the latter. Note that this was Indonesia’s confirmation of Bashar al Assad’s empty threats because the disturbance related to these events was clearly recorded.

Air investigation was maintaining steady vigilance over the movement of Syrian military aircraft assigned to the Assad regime. Barely an hour and a half later, the air raid was initiated with simultaneous explosion of a few missiles. The attacked targets were two types of new warehouses used for storage of Scud missiles. After accomplishing this objective, the raid remained undisturbed while Bashar Assad purportedly directed the coordination meeting of American-funded ballistic modifications. And, before five o clock, assorted rocks and tunnels could be dimmed and destroyed permanently.

These might have been preemptive strikes planned and coordinated with Muslims believing in the Muslims Brotherhood and captive prisoners along with the Iran-led Shi’a countries. If there exists any semblance of an army, this airstrike would mark its end.

This attack follows Israel’s airstrikes on Friday, which included a missile base on Damascus’s Mount Qasyun, an airport in southern Sweida province, and defense and research laboratories in Masyaf, Hama province. Israel has launched hundreds of strikes on Syrian military sites in recent years, with a focus on targets such as chemical weapons stockpiles and air defense systems.

Following the fall of Assad, Israel also seized control of a United Nations-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights, drawing international criticism. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over Israel’s actions, highlighting “extensive violations” of Syrian sovereignty and the ongoing airstrikes, according to his spokesman.

Fleeing Syria: Shi’ite Refugees Fear Persecution Despite Assurances From New Rulers

December 13, 2024, 6:54 pm

Tens of thousands of Syrians, mostly Shi’ite Muslims, have fled to Lebanon in recent days, fearing persecution despite assurances from the new rulers in Syria. The exodus, which began last week, is primarily from minority communities seeking refuge after Sunni Muslim Islamists overthrew Bashar al-Assad’s regime, a Lebanese official reported.

The refugees, including many Shi’ites, have described receiving threats via social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook, as well as direct intimidation. Despite promises from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the dominant Sunni faction in Syria, to protect minorities, fears persist regarding sectarian violence. HTS, which has distanced itself from al-Qaeda, is one of several armed groups now vying for control of the country.

Shi’ite communities, historically aligned with Assad’s Alawite regime, were caught at the forefront of Syria’s brutal civil war. Their involvement with regional Shi’ite groups, including Hezbollah, and Iranian-backed militias has heightened tensions with Sunni factions. As the regime fell, many Shi’ites found themselves targeted, with some being forced to flee from Damascus and surrounding areas.

Over 100,000 people, mostly from minority faiths, have crossed into Lebanon since Sunday, with many using informal border crossings. One refugee, Samira Baba, recounted waiting for days with her children at the border, fearful of further escalation. “We know it’s time to leave,” she said, uncertain of who was behind the threats.

Despite these fears, there are some positive accounts, particularly in Syria’s northern regions, where some Shi’ite residents have returned to their homes after HTS secured the area. In Nubl, a town with a significant Shi’ite population, families are hopeful that security measures and restored services will allow for a safer future.

However, many remain cautious about the uncertain future for minorities under the new leadership.

Sweet Victory: Syrians Celebrate Freedom With Ice Cream After Assad’s Fall | Watch

December 10, 2024, 6:51 pm

In the aftermath of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s ouster, hundreds of Syrians have flooded the streets of Damascus to savor the tastes of freedom. One of the most iconic places to mark this shift is the renowned Bakdash ice cream parlour in the historic Hamidiyeh Souk, where locals have returned to enjoy the signature mastic-infused Arabic gelato, a sweet symbol of the country’s resilience.

Anas Idrees, a 42-year-old who fled the country as a refugee during the civil war, was among the first to venture into the parlour after Assad’s departure. “I swear to God, it tastes different now,” he said after taking his first bite in 15 years. “It was good before, but it’s changed because now we are happy inside.”

“Raise your head high, you are a free Syrian”

Bakdash ice cream in Al-Hamidiyah Market in Damascus,

My Allah bless pakistan With such a day pic.twitter.com/k0NlcVGnXk

— Abuzar(ابوزر) (@usamausama12344) December 9, 2024

Bakdash, which has been serving its signature ice cream since the 1890s, is a beloved fixture in Syria. The treat, made from Sahlab (a flour derived from orchid roots), is prepared with traditional methods that involve pounding the mixture with large mallets until it achieves a soft, stretchy texture. A bowl costs just $1 and is topped generously with pistachios.

For many Syrians, this is the first time they’ve been able to return to the capital city since the 2011 uprising. The subsequent civil war left the country divided and displaced millions. Now, with the fall of Assad’s regime, fighters fresh from the battlefield and former refugees alike have come together to celebrate, some even arriving with their guns slung over their shoulders while enjoying the cool treat.

“I hadn’t seen Damascus in over a decade,” said 22-year-old fighter Ahmed Aslaan. “This ice cream is a taste of freedom. We were stuck in small areas before. Now we have space.”

Bakdash’s co-owner, Samir Bakdash, welcomed the shift in the atmosphere. He reopened the shop the day after Assad’s fall, thrilled to no longer have to pay bribes to keep his business running under the oppressive regime. Despite the upheaval, Bakdash promised that the secret recipe passed down from his great-grandfather remained unchanged.

For patrons like Eman Ghazal, a regular who had been visiting since childhood, the experience was more than just about the ice cream. “It’s not just the ice cream; it’s life in general. It’s as if the walls are smiling and the sun has finally come out.”

Know Everything About: Syria’s Assad Ousted; A Shift in the Balance of Power in the Middle East

December 8, 2024, 8:22 pm

In a seismic shift for the Middle East, Islamist rebels have announced the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad after seizing control of Damascus, marking the end of his family’s decades-long rule-following over 13 years of civil war. This dramatic regime change is poised to reshape the power balance in the region, significantly diminishing the influence of key allies Russia and Iran, who have supported Assad throughout the conflict.

The fall of the Assad regime signals a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern geopolitics, as various regional and global forces vie to fill the power vacuum left in the wake of this upheaval. While Western and Arab states, along with Israel, are likely to attempt to curtail Iran’s influence in Syria, experts suggest they may be hesitant to support a radical Islamist regime as a replacement for Assad.

Iran’s Strategic Loss

For Iran, the loss of Syria represents a potential collapse of its so-called Axis of Resistance, which includes allied states and militia groups. Historically, Syria has served as a critical conduit for Iran to extend its influence through proxy groups in the predominantly Sunni nation. The Islamic Republic, alongside Hezbollah, has played a crucial role in bolstering Assad’s military efforts. However, recent developments, including Hezbollah’s withdrawal to focus on its conflict with Israel, have left Assad’s regime increasingly isolated.

Hadi al-Bahra, a Syrian opposition leader, noted that the weakening of Hezbollah and reduced Russian support due to its ongoing issues in Ukraine have significantly impacted Assad’s ability to maintain power. Experts warn that losing Syria would be a “huge blow” for Iran, disrupting vital supply routes and diminishing its regional leverage.

Implications for Lebanon

The fallout from Syria’s turmoil is expected to reverberate throughout Lebanon, where Hezbollah’s tenuous truce with Israel hangs in the balance. The insurgents’ advance toward the Lebanese border could sever Hezbollah’s critical logistics and supply routes from Iran, further constraining Tehran’s influence in the region.

Antoine Habchi, a Lebanese MP, emphasized the importance of controlling the Syrian-Lebanese border to prevent the transfer of strategic weapons into Lebanon, highlighting the precarious situation for Hezbollah amid the shifting dynamics in Syria.

Turkey’s Strategic Interests

Turkey has sought to enhance its influence in the region by engaging with Assad, aiming to manage Kurdish separatist movements along the Turkish-Syrian border. Despite its support for opposition forces, Turkey has not ruled out a potential rapprochement with Syria, particularly as it seeks to maintain control over oil-rich areas in northern Syria.

Israel’s Dilemma

The changing power dynamics in Syria present a complex challenge for Israel. While Assad’s regime historically posed a limited threat, the rise of Islamist factions, particularly Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS), complicates Israel’s security landscape. The group, led by former al-Qaeda fighter Abu Muhammad Al Jolani, presents a new ideological challenge for Tel Aviv.

Avi Melamed, a former Israeli intelligence official, noted that Israel finds itself caught between the weakened Iranian influence and the rise of radical groups. Recent Israeli airstrikes in Syria, targeting military installations, reflect the ongoing tensions as Israel seeks to prevent weapons from falling into the hands of extremist factions.

As the situation in Syria continues to evolve, the implications for regional stability and power dynamics remain profound, with various actors poised to navigate the uncertain landscape in the wake of Assad’s fall.

Syrian Rebels Loot Assad’s Palaces As He Flees, Marking End Of His Dynasty | Watch

December 8, 2024, 6:58 pm

Groups of Syrians were seen wandering through the palaces of President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday after his ouster, with some taking souvenirs and others posing for photographs in the grand rooms. Video footage obtained by Reuters showed individuals entering the Al-Rawda Presidential Palace, where children ran through the ornate halls and men dragged large trunks across the floor. Some carried furniture and ornaments, while cupboards in storerooms had been ransacked.

Mostly teenagers grabbing all the loot from Assad’s house in Damascus. pic.twitter.com/uavOEMYMep

— Jay in Kyiv (@JayinKyiv) December 8, 2024

Another video, showing the Muhajreen Palace, depicted groups of men and women walking through its white marble floors and tall wooden doors. One man was seen carrying a vase, while a large empty cabinet stood with its doors open.

The rebel forces seized control of Damascus on Sunday, forcing Assad to flee the capital and effectively bringing an end to his family’s rule after more than 13 years of civil war. This marks a dramatic turning point for Syria, with Assad’s absence confirmed by two senior army officers who revealed that the president had flown out of Damascus for an undisclosed location. Despite the rebel advance, no sign of army deployment was observed in the capital, signaling the collapse of Assad’s regime.

Israeli Strikes Target Syria Damascus, Targeting Missiles And Rocket Stockpiles

December 8, 2024, 5:59 pm

An Israeli airstrikes has been suspected to struck key locations in Syria on Sunday, including the Mazzeh district of Damascus and the Khalkhala airbase in the southern region, according to security sources from Lebanon and Syria.

The Khalkhala airbase, recently evacuated by Syrian forces, was reportedly bombed by jets believed to be Israeli, two regional security sources revealed to Reuters. Simultaneously, at least six strikes targeted a major airbase in Suweida, a northern city housing a significant stockpile of rockets and missiles previously controlled by the Syrian army.

Sources suggest the attack may have been intended to prevent these weapons from falling into the hands of radical groups, reflecting ongoing regional security concerns.

The Israeli government has declined to comment on the reported strikes, consistent with its policy of maintaining operational secrecy regarding its activities in Syria.

The strikes come amid heightened tensions in the region, with Israel regularly targeting locations in Syria to curtail the influence of Iran-backed militias and to prevent advanced weaponry from being transferred to Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based militant group.

No immediate reports of casualties or detailed assessments of the damage have emerged, as the Syrian government has yet to release an official statement on the incidents.

Bashar Al-Assad Flees As Syrian Rebels Seize Damascus, Ending 24 Years Of Authoritarian Rule

December 8, 2024, 11:40 am

In a unexpected turn, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year rule has ended as rebels captured Damascus on Sunday, declaring the capital free of his regime. Assad reportedly fled to an unknown destination after rebels advanced rapidly, leaving no sign of military resistance in the city.

Witnesses described jubilant crowds in Damascus, waving flags and chanting “Freedom” after decades of Assad family rule. Rebel sources revealed plans to address the nation via state television to mark the regime’s collapse.

The fall of Assad, a major ally of Russia and Iran, signifies a seismic shift in the Middle East’s political landscape. Rebels claimed control of key regions, including the strategic city of Homs, which they seized after a single day of fighting. The victory severed Damascus from Assad’s coastal strongholds, home to his Alawite sect and Russia’s military bases.

Rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa vowed to protect public institutions until a transitional government is formed, while urging restraint among fighters. Thousands of detainees have been freed, and symbols of the Assad regime, including statues, have been destroyed in liberated areas.

The rapid insurgent gains have left global powers stunned. US President Joe Biden and other leaders are closely monitoring the developments, with regional governments calling for a political resolution to prevent further instability.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, led by Abu Mohammed al-Golani, spearheaded the offensive but faces scrutiny over its Islamist roots. Golani has pledged to avoid persecution of minorities and international interference.

The end of Assad’s regime raises concerns about Syria’s future under fragmented rebel leadership, as the country emerges from over a decade of civil war that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions.

Rebels Claim Homs, Move Advance to Capital in Fight Against Assad

December 8, 2024, 8:14 am

Syrian rebels seized full control of Homs after just one day of fighting on Sunday morning. This move leaves President Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year rule in jeopardy, as rebels march toward Damascus.

Thousands of Homs residents flooded the streets, celebrating the army’s withdrawal. Protesters shouted, “Assad is gone, Homs is free” and “Long live Syria, down with Bashar al-Assad.” Rebels fired into the air, while youth tore down Assad’s posters. The loss of Homs marks a significant blow to Assad’s control.

Homs is located at the heart of Syria. Its fall cuts off key supply routes, separating Damascus from the coastal region. This region, a stronghold of Assad’s Alawite sect, hosts Russian naval and air bases. Homs’ capture also represents a major win for the rebels, who had previously struggled for years. The city had been devastated by sieges, but the rebels managed to reclaim it.

Abu Mohammed al-Golani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, called Homs’ capture “historic.” He urged fighters not to harm those who surrendered. Rebels also freed thousands of detainees from the local prison. As security forces fled, they burned documents.

Rebels Advance Toward Damascus

The fight for Syria is shifting toward the capital. On Saturday, protests erupted in several districts of Damascus. Residents voiced opposition to Assad’s regime. Security forces seemed unwilling or unable to suppress the protests.

Rebel commander Hassan Abdul Ghani confirmed that rebels are working to “completely liberate” the areas surrounding Damascus. They are now focused on advancing toward the capital.

Also Read: Syrian Govt Denies Reports Of President Assad Fleeing Amid Rebel Advance On Damascus

In one suburb, protesters tore down a statue of Hafez al-Assad, the late father of the current president, symbolizing defiance.

Assad’s Rule Faces Collapse

The fall of Homs and the threat to Damascus present an immediate danger to Assad’s regime. It also challenges Iran’s influence in Syria.

Foreign officials believe Assad’s government is on the brink of collapse. Some predict it may fall within five to 10 days. The rapid developments have alarmed Arab nations and raised fears of regional instability.

Countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, along with others, have called for a political solution. However, no consensus on specific actions has been reached. The situation remains fluid and unpredictable.

The Bigger Picture and Foreign Involvement

The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011 as an uprising against Assad, has drawn in major foreign powers. The conflict has allowed jihadist groups to expand and created a refugee crisis across the region.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the strongest rebel group, is an offshoot of al-Qaeda. It is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and others. Many Syrians fear the group could impose harsh Islamist rule. However, Golani has reassured that his group will not target minority groups. Reports from Aleppo, which rebels captured recently, show no reprisals against civilians.

Assad’s Struggling Allies

Assad has relied heavily on foreign support throughout the conflict. Russia’s warplanes have provided airstrikes, and Iran has sent forces, including Hezbollah and Iraqi militias. However, Russia’s focus has shifted to the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has suffered significant losses in its conflict with Israel, reducing its ability to support Assad.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has stated that the U.S. should not intervene in Syria and suggested that the situation should “play out on its own.”

Israel’s Airstrike In Damascus Kills 7 Civilians, Targets Iranian Forces

October 9, 2024, 3:04 am

On Tuesday, an Israeli airstrike targeted a building in Damascus, Syria, leading to the death of seven civilians. The attack occurred in the Mazzeh neighborhood, an area known for housing embassies and security headquarters.

Civilian Casualties and Damage

Syria’s Defense Ministry reported that women and children were among those killed in the strike. The toll is expected to rise as rescue teams continue searching through the rubble. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with smoke, debris, and destroyed vehicles scattered across the area.

Local electrician Adel Habib, who lives in the affected building, described the strike as “Judgment Day,” sharing the terrifying moments he spent unable to contact his family after the explosion.

Targeting Iranian and Hezbollah Operatives

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the airstrike specifically targeted a building frequently visited by senior members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. The attack also hit a car parked in front of the building.

The Observatory stated that nine people were killed, including five civilians. It is believed that some of the deceased were foreign nationals, although their identities remain unclear.

Escalating Tensions in the Region

Israel has not officially commented on this specific strike but has repeatedly expressed its intent to prevent Iran from expanding its military presence in Syria. This strike follows another recent attack in the same area, which resulted in the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s son-in-law.

The airstrike has intensified the ongoing conflict, with over 400,000 Syrian refugees reportedly returning to Syria to escape the heavy Israeli bombardment of Lebanon.