Israel struck a target near the presidential palace in the Syrian capital after the Druze community in both countries called for help following a series of violent clashes between the minority group and Syrian government forces.

Israel's military said Friday it launched air strikes near the presidential palace in Damascus after the country's defence minister threatened intervention if Syrian authorities failed to protect the Druze minority.

Israel said it carried out an air strike near Syria's presidential palace in Damascus on Friday, warning the country's new Islamist rulers against targeting the Druze minority.The dawn strike came hours after top Druze clerics and armed factions reaffirmed their loyalty to Syria,