Overnight Attack Hits Near Syrian Security Building
An overnight Israeli missile attack hit near a Syrian security building in the capital city of Damascus, causing material damage and injuring two soldiers. The attack was reportedly aimed at targeting pro-Iran personnel, with Syria alleging that the missiles were launched from the Golan Heights. Footage on social media showed smoke rising from sites in the al-Midan and adjacent Kafr Sousah neighborhoods of Damascus following the attack.
Syria Condemns Attack as Israel Targets Iran-Linked Groups
Syria’s foreign ministry condemned the attack, stating that it was Israel’s attempt to escape internal fragmentation in light of recent protests but strongly condemning any outside interference. This marks the fifth Israeli strike on Syria this month, with Israel targeting Iran-linked targets. Iran-backed groups, including Hezbollah, have established an entrenched presence around the Syrian capital and other areas.
Israel Aims to Curb Iran’s Expansion in Syria
Israel views Iran’s expansion throughout Syria as a continued threat to its national security and has conducted strikes across a broad range of targets in an effort to curb Iran’s forces in the region. Recent attacks have also targeted the central Damascus neighborhood of Kafr Sousa, where Iranian officials were reportedly meeting to advance their drone or missile capabilities.
Israel Rarely Acknowledges Operations, But Has Conducted Hundreds of Strikes
Israel rarely acknowledges or discusses its operations; however, it is believed to have carried out hundreds of strikes on targets inside government-controlled parts of Syria in recent years. In addition to hitting suspected arms depots used by Iran-backed fighters at Aleppo airport last week, Israeli warplanes have also aimed at critical infrastructure such as Syrian seaports. The conditions of the two wounded soldiers were not immediately clear.
The Syrian civil war has led to nearly half a million deaths and forced around half of the country’s pre-war population from their homes. The conflict, now in its tenth year, has seen numerous Syrian soldiers serving in air defense units killed in Israeli airstrikes. Residents reported hearing loud booms and feeling scared, with one woman saying she thought the hospital she was in was going to collapse.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
