Syria — A series of Israeli airstrikes late Sunday targeted multiple areas in Syria's Hama province, resulting in the deaths of at least five civilians and injuring 19 others, according to Syria’s state news agency, SANA. The attacks, reportedly launched from Lebanese airspace, struck a major military research center near the city of Misyaf, a facility believed to house Iranian military experts involved in weapons production.
The strikes come amid heightened regional tensions following Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel, which led to escalated Israeli military operations against Iranian-backed militia targets in Syria, including air defenses and Syrian military forces.
Targeted Facilities and Casualties
The targeted Misyaf facility, known as the Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC), is allegedly used by Iranian forces for the production of chemical weapons and precision-guided missiles. Two regional intelligence sources confirmed that the facility was hit multiple times during the strikes. Additionally, fires broke out at the research center and along the Wadi al-Uyun highway, with local firefighting teams working through the night to contain the blaze.
The director of Masyaf National Hospital, Dr. Faysal Haydar, reported that several of the injured are in critical condition, with the death toll expected to rise. Ambulances continue to ferry the wounded from the affected areas.
Escalating Conflict in Syria and Beyond
Israel has consistently conducted airstrikes in Syria over the past 13 years, mainly targeting Iranian and Hezbollah positions to prevent the transfer of advanced weapons to Lebanon and to counter Iran's military entrenchment near its borders. However, the recent strikes represent a significant escalation, potentially linked to broader regional developments.
Two regional intelligence sources highlighted that Sunday’s attacks were part of a series of escalated Israeli strikes since the October 7 assault by Hamas. These strikes also come amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group in Lebanon, and Israeli forces. Hezbollah has been launching near-daily attacks on Israeli military sites in support of the Palestinian cause in Gaza, while Israel continues its offensive against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.
Iran’s Role and Regional Repercussions
Iran, which maintains a strong military presence in Syria, has condemned the Israeli strikes and promised retaliation for the assassination of its military advisers in previous Israeli bombings. A senior commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) recently vowed that a response to Israeli actions was imminent.
Tensions further escalated when Israel reportedly shot an operation by Hezbollah against a military intelligence site near Tel Aviv, resulting in a near-daily exchange of fire along the Lebanon-Israel border. Israeli officials have warned of the possibility of an all-out war with Hezbollah if the group continues its attacks.
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Humanitarian Concerns Amid the Violence
While military hostilities persist, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. In the latest escalation, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Sunday killed Mohammad Morsi, the deputy director of the Gaza Civil Emergency Service, along with four members of his family. The United Nations, working with local health authorities, extended a vaccination campaign in southern Gaza to protect 640,000 children from polio amidst the conflict. Despite limited pauses in fighting, significant gaps remain in ceasefire negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, leaving the prospect of peace uncertain.
International and Local Reactions
There has been no official comment from Israel on the strikes in Syria. Israel typically refrains from acknowledging individual military operations in the region. Syrian media and government sources have condemned the attacks, accusing Israel of violating Syria's sovereignty and escalating regional tensions.
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Meanwhile, Hezbollah has vowed to continue its military operations against Israel until the war in Gaza ends, promising support for Palestinians under Israeli assault. The ongoing conflict, marked by retaliatory strikes and cross-border attacks, underscores the fragility of peace in the region and the potential for further escalation.
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