Israel strikes Damascus as fighting rages in southern Syria

Breakdown

• Israeli airstrikes hit Damascus, targeting the defence ministry and areas near the presidential palace.
• Israel has pledged to protect Druze communities in southern Syria and demanded Syrian forces withdraw. 12s
• Violence around Suwayda has resulted in scores of deaths amid clashes between Druze, government forces, and Bedouin tribes. 32s
• Israeli Druze have called for military protection, and some crossed the border into Syria despite government warnings. 49s
• The violence poses significant challenges for Syria's interim president as he seeks to unify the country. 1m 34s