Israel carried out an air strike on the Syrian capital Damascus on Thursday, targeting what the military said was a command centre belonging to the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad, used to direct 'terrorist activities' against Israel.
Civil defence members stands near a damaged site, after Israeli aircraft targeted a building on the edge of Damascus on Thursday, as reported by Syria's state news agency,in Damascus, Syria March 13, 2025. Reuters/Firas Makdesi
Israel carried out an air strike on the Syrian capital Damascus on Thursday, targeting what the military said was a command centre belonging to the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad, used to direct 'terrorist activities' against Israel.
A nine-second video released by the military, purportedly showing the air strike, captured what appeared to be an explosion at the edge of a building followed by thick plumes of smoke.
The military said the command centre was used to plan and direct "terrorist activities" by Islamic Jihad against Israel.
Two Syrian security sources told Reuters that target was a Palestinian person. It was not immediately clear if there were any casualties. Syria's state news agency said the building was located at the edge of Damascus.
By Philippe Tanios
Peace talks led by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iranian chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf were set to begin on Sunday morning at a Swiss mountaintop resort as both nations seek a durable end to their war while disagreeing over Iran's claim that it had closed the vital Strait of Hormuz.
Islamic State claimed responsibility on Saturday for an attack near the city of Manbij in Syria's northeastern Aleppo province that the Syrian Defence Ministry said killed two soldiers.
A high-level Iranian team departed for Switzerland on Saturday for talks with the United States, Iranian state media reported, while U.S. Vice President JD Vance indicated he would set off soon for meetings that Pakistan said will begin on Sunday.
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