Israeli media: Trump tells Israel to stop Syrian air assault

The administration of US President Donald Trump has reportedly asked the Israeli government to halt its airstrikes on Syrian territory.

Unnamed senior US official, speaking to Israeli TV channel N12 on July 16, stated that Washington is encouraging all parties involved in the conflict to engage in dialogue to help ease regional tensions, Caliber.Az reports. 

The call came after Israel launched strikes on July 16 targeting the Syrian Ministry of Defence headquarters and areas near the presidential palace in Damascus, marking a sharp escalation in its military operation in this direction.

Syrian state news agency SANA reported that one person was killed and 18 others injured in the attacks.

According to Al Jazeera, Israel argues the strikes are intended to protect Syria’s Druze minority, whom it views as a potential ally. 

The strikes occurred shortly after Syria’s defence minister announced a ceasefire on July 15, following the Syrian army’s advance into a key city in southern Suwayda province. That area had recently seen deadly clashes between local Sunni Bedouin tribes and Druze armed groups.

By Nazrin Sadigova