Israeli leaders said they launched attacks on Syria this week to protect members of the Druze religious group in the country’s south, amid clashes in the area.

The Israeli military attacked southern Syria on Thursday following airstrikes on Damascus the previous day. Israel has launched the military campaign after members of the minority Druze community and Bedouin tribes clashed in southern Syria, prompting the interim government to send troops.

The Israel Defense Forces said it struck "the entrance" of Syria's military headquarters in Damascus on Wednesday.