DAMASCUS—An Israeli airstrike targeted a residential building in the densely populated Mazzeh neighborhood of Damascus on Tuesday night, resulting in the deaths of seven civilians, including women and children, and injuring 11 others. The strike, which occurred at approximately 8:15 p.m. local time (1715 GMT), caused significant damage to the surrounding area with rescue efforts still underway.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the Syrian Defense Ministry reported that three missiles were launched from the direction of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The missiles struck a 14-floor building in the Sheikh Sa'ad area, a residential and commercial hub in the heart of Mazzeh. Three floors in the building were completely damaged by the strikes. A Xinhua reporter at the scene heard the sound of explosions, accompanied by billowing clouds of smoke and the wailing of ambulances. Rescue workers were still searching for survivors and casualties late into the night.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry issued a strong condemnation of the attack, labeling it a "brutal crime" and a "grave violation" of international law. "This brutal crime against unarmed civilians is a continuation of the genocide committed by this occupying entity against Palestinians and Lebanese," the Syrian Foreign Ministry stated, calling for immediate international measures to prevent Israel from continuing its "pattern of criminal behavior."

This incident marks the first time the Sheikh Sa'ad area has been directly targeted by an Israeli attack.