U.S. Expresses Deep Concern Over Israeli Strikes in Damascus as Regional Tensions Escalate
US urges de-escalation as Israel's Damascus strikes draw global condemnation, with Turkey calling them "sabotage." Amid Suwayda's violence and 300+ deaths, Washington pushes ceasefire while demanding accountability for civilian casualties.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The United States voiced serious concern on Wednesday over Israel's intensified military operations in Syria, calling for an immediate de-escalation amid growing international condemnation and rising casualties. The development comes after Israeli airstrikes targeted the Syrian army and Defense Ministry headquarters in central Damascus, prompting alarm across global and regional capitals.
Washington Calls for De-escalation Following Damascus Bombardment
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking alongside Bahrain’s foreign minister, said Washington is "very concerned" by the recent Israeli strikes and is actively engaging all relevant parties to halt the violence. "We're talking to both sides, all the relevant sides on this and hopefully we can bring it to a conclusion, but we're very concerned," Rubio stated, confirming ongoing consultations by phone without naming specific interlocutors.
He revealed that a ceasefire agreement had been reached on Tuesday but was swiftly violated. “I hope we receive better news later,” he added, emphasizing the need for calm amid rising fatalities.
U.S. Special Envoy Condemns Civilian Deaths in Suwayda
Tom Barrack, the U.S. Special Envoy for Syria, also weighed in on the unfolding crisis in southern Syria, condemning the ongoing violence. In a statement posted on social media platform X, Barrack declared: “We unequivocally condemn violence against civilians in Suwayda. Full stop. All parties must step back and engage in meaningful dialogue that leads to a lasting ceasefire. Perpetrators need to be held accountable.”
The message reflected Washington’s mounting pressure on all sides to curb hostilities, particularly as clashes between government forces and Druze communities in Suwayda continue to intensify.
One Killed, 18 Injured in Israeli Strikes on Damascus
Syria’s Ministry of Health announced that Israeli strikes on Wednesday resulted in one fatality and 18 injuries. The aerial assault targeted both the army headquarters and the Ministry of Defense in central Damascus. According to AFP, the bombardment destroyed part of a four-storey building adjacent to the Defense Ministry.
Umayyad Square—normally teeming with activity—was rendered eerily silent, patrolled only by ambulances and military vehicles in the aftermath of the attack.
Turkey Condemns Israeli Attacks as ‘Sabotage’
Turkey sharply denounced the Israeli strikes, accusing Tel Aviv of undermining Syria’s fragile stability. In a statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry described the strikes as “an act of sabotage” against Syria’s ongoing efforts to restore peace and security. The condemnation follows Israel’s earlier military interventions in southern Syria and marks a rare alignment between Ankara and Damascus in response to external aggression.
A Region on Edge
The Israeli air campaign comes on the heels of a direct threat from Israeli officials to escalate strikes unless Syrian government forces withdraw from Suwayda, a majority-Druze province. Over 300 people have reportedly been killed in the violence over the past three days, triggering international calls for restraint and humanitarian protection.
As diplomacy races against the clock, the unfolding crisis underscores the volatile nature of the Syrian theater—where foreign intervention, civil unrest, and regional rivalries continue to collide with devastating consequences.
