Israeli Airstrikes on Syria Result in Five Deaths and 13 Injuries, Reports Say

On Sunday, Israeli airstrikes in the Hama countryside of Syria resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals, according to reports from Syrian state media.

Israeli officials stated that the attacks focused on a military research facility near the city of Misyaf, injuring at least thirteen others, with several reported in critical condition.

In response to the assault, Syrian air defenses claimed to have engaged what they described as an aggression targeting various sites in the central region of the country. The official Syrian news agency, SANA, reported ongoing efforts to contain the fires ignited by the attacks, which also caused significant damage to the local highway.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, provided an updated death toll from the airstrike, noting that at least seven people had died, including three civilians.

Witnesses indicated that the explosions, originating from the vicinity of the scientific research centers in Masyaf, were intense, totaling thirteen loud blasts. These centers are often associated with pro-Iranian groups and experts involved in weapons development.

Following the recent escalation of conflict after the October 7 attack carried out by Hamas, Israel has intensified its military operations targeting Iranian-backed militia groups within Syria. This strategy has also included strikes against Syrian army air defenses and various Syrian military forces.

As of now, there has been no immediate statement from the Israeli military regarding the latest airstrikes.

Israel has conducted numerous strikes within Syria over recent years, often opting not to confirm or comment on these operations publicly.

A military source indicated that the airstrike originated from northwest Lebanon, striking multiple military sites in central Syria around 8:30 p.m. local time. Syrian air defense responders reported shooting down some of the missiles aimed at their territory.

Regional intelligence sources disclosed that the airstrikes targeted a major military research facility known for chemical arms production near Misyaf, which was hit multiple times during the attack.

The Syrian state media also confirmed that the airstrikes had ignited fires, with firefighting teams deployed to manage the situation.

This recent wave of attacks marks one of the most significant military actions against Syria since the ongoing conflict in Gaza began. In a prior high-profile incident in April, suspected Israeli warplanes bombed the Iranian embassy in Syria, an assault that reportedly resulted in the deaths of seven Iranian military advisers, including three high-ranking commanders.

Israel has reiterated its commitment to halting Iranian military presence and activities in Syria, particularly due to its strategic value as a conduit for Iran’s weapon shipments to the Lebanese militant organization Hezbollah.

The ongoing situation remains tense, with both sides prepared for further developments in the conflict.

Source: AP