Israeli warplanes carried out a series of airstrikes near the Syrian capital of Damascus late on Monday, marking another escalation in the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran-backed forces in the region.
The strikes reportedly targeted sites linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and affiliated militias. Syrian state media confirmed the attack but claimed most missiles were intercepted by air defences.
Details of the Attack
According to military sources:
- The strikes occurred around midnight local time
- Multiple explosions were reported near Damascus International Airport
- At least two locations in the Damascus countryside were hit
While Israel has not officially claimed responsibility, this follows their longstanding policy of preventing Iranian entrenchment in Syria.
Regional Implications
The attack comes amid heightened tensions across the Middle East:
- Ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza
- Recent exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah
- Increased US military presence in the region
Analysts warn that such strikes risk drawing Syria further into regional conflicts and potentially provoking retaliatory attacks against Israel.
Humanitarian Concerns
Local sources reported:
- Several casualties among militia fighters
- Damage to civilian infrastructure near military sites
- Power outages in parts of Damascus following the strikes
The Syrian government has condemned what it calls "Israeli aggression" while vowing to continue supporting "resistance forces" in the region.
