Dramatic developments unfold as Israeli fighter jets unleash a wave of airstrikes on sites in Damascus, Syria, while continuing to strike targets in Lebanon. On Thursday afternoon, reports from Syrian state media indicated that these strikes, aimed at Palestinian Islamic Jihad locations, led to the deaths of at least 15 individuals and injured 16 more, including women and children.
The Syrian news agency SANA reported that the airstrikes occurred in the al-Mezzeh neighborhood of Damascus, causing substantial damage to various structures. The Israeli military confirmed the operation, stating it had “inflicted significant damage” on a key command center utilized by the militia, which is backed by Iran. The military criticized the Syrian government for its perceived leniency towards these militia groups operating within its borders.
Israeli warplanes have for years conducted operations in Syria, asserting that these strikes are necessary to thwart the activities of Iranian-affiliated proxies such as Hezbollah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. While Israel traditionally maintains silence regarding specific attacks, recent trends show an increasing openness from Israeli officials regarding these military engagements.
Israel’s military chief of staff Herzi Halevi elaborated on the ongoing strategy, mentioning “deep strikes” along the Syria-Lebanon border aimed at preventing the transfer of weapons to Hezbollah.
In a related report, Iranian media indicated that one of the strikes targeted a building in Damascus where a notable Iranian official, Ali Larijani, was present meeting with the Syrian National Security Committee's director. According to sources, Larijani was unharmed during the incident.
This escalating conflict underscores the fragile and volatile nature of security within the region, as retaliatory actions from various forces continue to provoke international concern.
The Syrian news agency SANA reported that the airstrikes occurred in the al-Mezzeh neighborhood of Damascus, causing substantial damage to various structures. The Israeli military confirmed the operation, stating it had “inflicted significant damage” on a key command center utilized by the militia, which is backed by Iran. The military criticized the Syrian government for its perceived leniency towards these militia groups operating within its borders.
Israeli warplanes have for years conducted operations in Syria, asserting that these strikes are necessary to thwart the activities of Iranian-affiliated proxies such as Hezbollah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. While Israel traditionally maintains silence regarding specific attacks, recent trends show an increasing openness from Israeli officials regarding these military engagements.
Israel’s military chief of staff Herzi Halevi elaborated on the ongoing strategy, mentioning “deep strikes” along the Syria-Lebanon border aimed at preventing the transfer of weapons to Hezbollah.
In a related report, Iranian media indicated that one of the strikes targeted a building in Damascus where a notable Iranian official, Ali Larijani, was present meeting with the Syrian National Security Committee's director. According to sources, Larijani was unharmed during the incident.
This escalating conflict underscores the fragile and volatile nature of security within the region, as retaliatory actions from various forces continue to provoke international concern.
