DAMASCUS, Syria, May 2 -- Israel carried out an airstrike early Friday near Syria's presidential palace, delivering what it called a "clear message" to Damascus after warning authorities not to advance on villages inhabited by members of the Druze minority in the country's south.

The strike followed several days of fierce clashes between pro-government gunmen and Druze fighters in areas close to the capital, leaving dozens dead or injured, according to Associated Press.

Syria's presidency condemned the Israeli action, describing it as a "dangerous escalation against state institutions and the sovereignty of the state." In a statement, it urged the international community to support Syria, stating the attack "target Syria national securi...