The World’s Host Marco Werman speaks with Istanbul-based journalist Ruth Michaelson about unrest in Syria amid clashes between minority groups, government military involvement and Israeli airstrikes in the country.

Tensions in the Middle East have reached a boiling point. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly ordered the "elimination" of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, following an explosive statement by Israeli Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli.

Israeli strikes blow up part of the defence ministry and hit close to the presidential palace. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Smoke filled Damascus skies as Israel struck near Syria's presidential palace, targeting the People's Palace where transitional president Ahmed al-Sharaa resides. The IDF released footage and warned of continued operations against Syrian regime targets.

Israel launched powerful airstrikes in Damascus on Wednesday, damaging the defence ministry and hitting near the presidential palace as it vowed to destroy Syrian government forces attacking Druze

An Israeli airstrike hit next to the presidential palace in Syria's capital Damascus on Wednesday, according to a Reuters witness.

Israel’s Army said it struck a “military target” in the area of Syria’s presidential palace in Damascus on Wednesday (July 16, 2025), after earlier announcing it had hit the military headquarters in the capital.