Pakistan, July 17 -- In a dramatic escalation, Israel launched intense airstrikes on Damascus on Wednesday, targeting the Syrian defence ministry and an area near the presidential palace. The strikes were aimed at halting attacks against the Druze community in southern Syria, as Israel accused Syrian government forces of failing to protect the minority group. Military officials confirmed that a key entrance to the defence headquarters was struck, and several personnel were killed in the blast.

The powerful attacks came despite recent diplomatic warmth between Israel and the interim Syrian administration, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Israel, however, described Syria's Islamist-led government as dangerous and accused it of fostering i...