Which capital is next? Iran slams Israeli airstrikes on Damascus

Iran’s foreign minister denounced Israel after a wave of deadly airstrikes hit Syria's capital city, Damascus. The strikes, carried out by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), targeted several military sites, including buildings close to the presidential palace and the headquarters of Syria's military command.

The foreign minister of Iran, Abbas Araghchi, posted on X, "Unfortunately, this was all too predictable. Which capital is next? The rabid Israeli regime knows no bounds and only grasps one language. The world, including the region, must unite to end its unhinged aggression."

He made it clear that Iran stands by Syria, adding, "Iran supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria, and will always stand with the Syrian people."

THREE CIVILIANS KILLED, DOZENS INJURED

Videos shared online from Damascus show the damage to several military buildings, including Syria's Ministry of Defence and the General Staff Command. Syria's health ministry confirmed that at least three civilians were killed, and 34 others were injured in the strikes.

The airstrikes come amid an escalation in the region, especially between Israel and Syria. The Israeli government claims that the attacks were in response to Syrian government forces failing to stop violence against the Druze minority in southern Syria's Sweida region, which lies near Israel's Golan Heights.

FRESH CLASHES ERUPT IN SWEIDA

The situation in southern Syria has become more dangerous in recent days. The Syrian army has sent troops to the Sweida region to establish peace between local Druze fighters and armed Bedouin groups. However, instead of bringing peace, clashes broke out between Syrian government troops and the Druze militias.

On Tuesday, a ceasefire was briefly declared by Syria's interior ministry and Druze leader Sheikh Yousef Jarbou, but it fell apart within hours.

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said that the Israeli military will continue its actions in the Sweida region. "We will continue to operate vigorously in Sweida to destroy the forces that attacked the Druze until they withdraw completely," Katz said.

The latest wave of violence puts more pressure on Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who is trying to rebuild Syria after years of war, but many groups remain deeply suspicious of his Islamist-led government.

The mistrust grew worse in March after reports of mass killings of members of the Alawite minority, who are often seen as opponents of the current leadership.

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