Amid growing tensions in the Middle East, Israel conducted airstrikes in central Syria, leading to the deaths of at least seven people and wounding fifteen others. The attacks caused significant damage and a high number of casualties.
According to Syria’s state news agency SANA, the airstrikes hit the Masyaf region, located west of Hama, which has been a frequent target in past military operations.
The region is of particular interest due to suspicions that it serves as a base for Iranian forces and allied pro-Iranian militias.
The strikes specifically hit targets in Masyaf, an area of strategic military significance due to the presence of the Scientific Studies and Research Center.
This facility is alleged by Israeli authorities to be involved in the production of precision-guided missiles for Iranian forces.
The airstrike resulted in extensive damage, and the director of a local hospital, Faysal Haidar, confirmed the rising death toll.
“The number of victims of the Israeli aggression on several sites near Masyaf comes to five deaths and 19 wounded, some of them seriously,” Haidar reported, with SANA later updating the number of fatalities to include two additional deaths.
The Masyaf region has been a recurring target in recent years, frequently hit by similar air raids attributed to Israel.
The SSRC, which Israel claims is a key site in Iran’s missile manufacturing operations, has drawn repeated attention due to its significance in the larger regional conflict.
The latest strikes also triggered fires, prompting ongoing efforts by local firefighters to bring the situation under control.
This latest round of airstrikes comes as the broader Israel-Hamas conflict intensifies, further heightening regional tensions.
Israel has consistently been accused of ramping up military operations against Iranian-affiliated militias stationed in Syria, with its airstrikes often targeting Syrian air defense systems and other military assets as well.
Earlier in 2024, a major incident linked to Israel’s military efforts in Syria occurred when an attack was launched on Iran’s embassy in Damascus, resulting in the deaths of several Iranian military personnel, including top commanders.
In retaliation, Iran responded by firing a volley of missiles towards Israel, most of which were intercepted by Israel’s highly effective air defense systems.
While Israel has remained silent on this most recent airstrike, refraining from issuing any official statement, this aligns with its usual practice of not commenting on military operations in Syria.
Israel has long maintained an air of strategic ambiguity regarding its interventions in Syria, especially in its ongoing efforts to counter Iranian influence in the region.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community is keeping a close eye on developments, with concern mounting over the potential for further escalation between Israeli forces and Iranian-backed entities in Syria.
The complex dynamics of this conflict make the path forward increasingly uncertain, yet it is clear that the regional power struggle shows no signs of abating.
