Israel launched airstrikes on Syria’s Defence Ministry in Damascus on July 16, 2025, causing massive explosions visible during a live Al Jazeera broadcast nearby. The attacks targeted key military sites, including areas near the presidential palace, amid escalating tensions in southern Syria’s Suwayda region. Syrian state media reported casualties, though exact figures remain unconfirmed.
Israeli forces targeted the Syrian Defence Ministry headquarters in central Damascus, resulting in large explosions that interrupted a live report by Al Jazeera nearby. Smoke billowed from the site as the broadcast captured the chaos in real time. These strikes were part of a wider operation against military positions in both the capital and southern regions.
Huge explosions were seen in Damascus as Israel bombed Syria’s defence ministry during a live Al Jazeera broadcast nearby. pic.twitter.com/Fe7N6xH02I
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) July 16, 2025Al Jazeera footage displayed intense explosions and rising plumes of smoke, with reporters noting that the situation was tense. Israel has not made an official comment, but such actions usually target Iranian or Hezbollah assets.
Read: Iran Ready to Respond to Attacks: Khamenei Warns of Bigger Blows
The strikes coincide with ongoing clashes in Suwayda, which has a Druze majority, where Syrian forces are fighting against opposition groups. Israel often conducts operations in Syria to disrupt the supply of weapons to Hezbollah and Iranian militias. This event comes after Israel’s recent ground incursions into southern Syria, amid a backdrop of broader regional conflicts. Syrian air defences engaged, but explosions indicate successful hits.
Footage shows the moment Israel struck the General Staff building in Damascus. On Syria’s state TV, the anchor left the studio as the explosions hit live on air. pic.twitter.com/jfOu04wcad
— Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws) July 16, 2025Syrian state media confirmed strikes on military sites but provided no casualty details. Local reports suggest injuries, although they are unverified. The international community is closely monitoring developments, with concerns over potential escalation.
