Israel pummels Damascus as sectarian fighting escalates in country’s south

Published July 16, 2025 9:34am ET



Israel expanded airstrikes against Damascus on Wednesday after a fragile ceasefire in southern Syria collapsed.

Though announced by Damascus on Tuesday, the ceasefire between the Druze and government forces doesn’t appear to have ever truly taken effect, with heavy fighting continuing all throughout the previous day. Druze militias, backed by increasing Israeli airstrikes, counterattacked and pushed government forces out of the Druze stronghold of Suwayda. Israel Defense Forces airstrikes escalated on Wednesday, devastating government buildings in Damascus.

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