Pakistan, July 16 -- The United States has expressed serious concern over recent Israeli airstrikes on Syria's military headquarters. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that the violence is damaging efforts to bring peace and stability to Syria. The strikes come after clashes in Sweida, a southern city with a large Druze population, which Israel cited as the reason for its military action.

Speaking to reporters in Washington, Rubio confirmed that the US is in direct communication with both Syria and Israel. He emphasized that all "relevant sides" are being engaged diplomatically to avoid further escalation. "We're very concerned," he repeated, stressing that Washington is working behind the scenes to calm the situation a...