The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the Damascus headquarters served as a command center for deploying regime forces to Suwayda, a southern Syrian region gripped by days of deadly clashes between government troops, Druze militias, and Bedouin groups.

Israel said it "struck the entrance of the Syrian regime's military headquarters" and warns of more "painful blows".

For weeks, Israel has engaged in back-channel talks over a diplomatic agreement with the Syrian government. Its strikes on Damascus this week highlight a lack of strategic clarity.

An Israeli military official said, "we are reinforcing forces in the Golan Heights and along the border, ready for a multitude of scenarios."

Syria has accused Israel of sowing chaos following its airstrikes on the Druze-majority province of Sweida where violent clashes have left hundreds dead. FRANCE 24's Israel correspondent Noga Tarnopolsky has more.