Israel carried out a series of powerful strikes on the Syrian capital Damascus Wednesday, escalating a campaign it says is in support of an Arab minority group involved in deadly clashes with Syrian government forces.

Israeli officials react to the ongoing violence in Syria's Sweida between regime forces and the local Druze community. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Israeli Druze citizens not to cross the border amid ongoing clashes in Sweida in southern Syria on Wednesday afternoon.

Israel`s IDF, led by Colonel Avichay Adraee, released dramatic footage showing airstrikes on military targets in southern Syria. The operation aimed at tanks and rocket launchers heading toward the volatile Sweida region.

An Israeli military official said, "we are reinforcing forces in the Golan Heights and along the border, ready for a multitude of scenarios."

The IDF emphasized that Israel citizens crossing into Syria is a criminal offense that endangers both the public and the IDF. The IDF identified dozens of suspects attempting to infiltrate Israeli territory from Syria,

Secretary of State Rubio says the U.S. is "very concerned" by expanding Israeli strikes targeting Syria's new government, and he wants "the fighting to stop."

Israeli forces struck the Syrian General Staff compound in Damascus, citing concerns over violence against the Druze minority. Two civilians were injured in the airstrike. View on euronews

Watch the dramatic moment an Israeli airstrike hit a Syrian military HQ on live TV as the journalist attempt to flee the scene in panic.

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Syrian government officials and leaders in the Druze religious minority announced Wednesday a renewed ceasefire after days of clashes that have threatened to unravel the country’s postwar political transition and have drawn intervention by Syria’s powerful neighbor, Israel.

Syrian forces had deployed in the southern city of Sweida, despite Israeli warnings, trying to contain clashes between members of the Druze minority and Bedouin.