Israel has warned Syria that it will face “painful blows” as it launched airstrikes on the Syrian capital, Damascus.

On Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Syria of strong retaliation after recent deadly clashes, where Syrian government forces reportedly joined Bedouin fighters in fighting against the Druze community.

He said, “The warnings to Damascus are over—now come the painful blows,” and added that the Israeli army would take strong action in southern Syria’s Suweida region to eliminate the forces that attacked the Druze, until they fully withdraw.

The Qatari news channel Al Jazeera showed live footage of Israeli airstrikes hitting the Syrian army and defense ministry buildings in Damascus. The videos showed smoke rising and damage to the buildings.

These airstrikes came just hours after a drone attack targeted the same location. Syrian state media confirmed there were casualties but didn’t provide exact numbers.

State TV also reported that the Israeli air force had launched a fresh attack near the Umayyad Square, close to the government headquarters in central Damascus.