Israeli airstrikes in central Syria killed 14 people and injured over 40, according to Syrian state media. The strikes, which occurred late Sunday, targeted areas in Hama province, damaging infrastructure and igniting fires. Some of the strikes hit a scientific research center and locations where Iranian militias and experts were reportedly stationed. While Israel has not commented, it has previously targeted Syrian and Iranian-backed forces to prevent Iran’s military entrenchment in Syria. The strikes come amidst ongoing tensions involving Hezbollah and Israel’s conflict with Hamas.
Quick Read
- Israeli airstrikes in central Syria killed 14 people and wounded more than 40.
- Strikes targeted areas in Hama province, including a scientific research center and sites linked to Iranian militias.
- Syrian state media initially reported 4 deaths, later updated to 14.
- The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stated that at least 4 of the victims were civilians.
- Israel has not commented on the strikes, which are part of its efforts to prevent Iranian military presence in Syria.
- The strikes occurred amid ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, linked to the broader conflict with Hamas.
Israeli strikes in Syria leave 14 dead and over 40 wounded
NEWSLOOKS – DAMASCUS (AP) —
The death toll from Israeli airstrikes in central Syria rose to 14, with more than 40 others wounded, according to Syrian state media on Monday. The strikes, which occurred late Sunday, targeted several areas in Hama province, damaging a major highway and causing fires. Initially, the Masyaf National Hospital in western Hama province reported four deaths, but this number was later updated by the Syrian state news agency SANA, which cited hospital head Faysal Haydar.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a U.K.-based war monitor, stated that at least four of the dead were civilians. The strikes reportedly hit a scientific research center in Masyaf and other locations where “Iranian militias and experts are stationed to develop weapons in Syria,” according to the Observatory. Additional strikes were reported around the coastal city of Tartous.
Israel has not yet commented on the operation, but it has frequently launched airstrikes targeting Syrian forces and Iranian-backed groups in the region. Israel is committed to preventing Iranian military entrenchment in Syria, a critical conduit for weapons sent to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
The airstrikes occurred against the backdrop of ongoing clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, coinciding with Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, which has been ongoing for 11 months.
