Israel bombs Syria's military headquarters
Druze residents cross into Syria to join fighting, says Israel
Several hundred Druze residents of Israel crossed into Syria today in order to join the fighting across the border, according to Israel's military.
Videos showed dozens of men breaching the border fence in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights in an apparent effort to join Druze militias in defending the city of Sweida from Syrian government forces and Bedouin tribes.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister, released a video message imploring members of the Druze community not to cross into Syria.
'My fellow Druze citizens of Israel, the situation in Sweida, the situation in southwestern Syria, is very serious,' he said. 'I have one request from you: You are citizens of Israel. Do not cross the border.'
The Israel Defence Forces said troops are working to return them to Israel and acknowledged the military was unprepared to handle the chaos.
Syrian regime forces are now believed to be in control of 70 per cent of more of Sweida, with an estimated 200 forces in the city and 1,000 in the outskirts.
2:25PM
US envoy for Syria calls on all parties to 'step back'
The United States' special envoy for Syria has called on all parties to step back following clashes with Druze factions in the south and Israeli strikes in Damascus.
'We unequivocally condemn violence against civilians in Sweida... All parties must step back and engage in meaningful dialogue that leads to a lasting ceasefire,' Tom Barrack said, adding that 'perpetrators need to be held accountable'.
His statement comes as Israel warned Syria's new authorities against targeting the Druze and launched air strikes near the Syrian army's headquarters.
2:20PM
Israel warns Syria of 'painful blows' to come
Israel's defence minister has warned the Syrian government of further 'painful blows' following a strike on the regime's defence headquarters.
'The signaling in Damascus is over, now come the painful blows,' Israel Katz said in a statement, adding that the army will 'continue to operate forcefully in Sweida to destroy the forces that attacked the Druze until their full withdrawal.'
Israel has been attacking Syrian forces for three days, with dozens of troops killed in the strikes, after they entered Sweida, a Druze-majority city close to Israel's border on Sunday where sectarian violence is raging.
He added: 'Our Druze brothers in Israel: You can count on the Israel Defense Forces to protect your brothers in Syria. Prime Minister Netanyahu and I, as defense minister, have made a commitment, and we will uphold it,' Mr Katz adds.
2:16PM
In pictures: Syrian army and defence HQ bombed by Israel
The Israeli military has launched a wave of strikes against the headquarters of the Syrian army and defence headquarters in Damascus.
Following the strikes, the cityscape was blanketed in smoke with a thick plume rising from the defence ministry.
2:14PM
Welcome to our live coverage
Welcome to our live coverage as Israel steps up its bombing campaign against Syrian government forces attacking Druze communities in the south of the country.
We'll bring you the latest updates and analysis as it comes in.
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