Israel escalated its military campaign in Syria by launching airstrikes in the Damascus countryside and issuing threats against the Syrian leadership, citing unrest in Druze-populated districts earlier this week.

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.

The strike near the president’s residence, announced Friday morning by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, came after violence targeting the Druze population in Syria. Israel is also home to a Druze minority, many of whom serve in its military.