Israeli military aircraft executed airstrikes in the Syrian capital on Thursday, specifically targeting a location associated with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad organization. This operation, which took place in the al-Mezzeh neighborhood, left at least 15 individuals dead, according to Syrian state media, along with 16 others wounded—many of whom were women and children.
As detailed by the Syrian state news agency, the attack occurred around 3:20 p.m. local time, leading to substantial damage to multiple buildings. The Israeli military, while confirming the strike, asserted that significant damage was inflicted on a command center operated by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which is backed by Iran. Israeli officials held the Syrian government responsible for permitting such groups to function within its borders.
For years, Israel has conducted airstrikes in Syria aimed at curbing the influence of Iranian-affiliated militias such as Hezbollah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Traditionally, Israel has refrained from making specific comment about individual strikes. However, there has been a notable shift over recent weeks, with officials increasingly acknowledging their operations.
Herzi Halevi, the chief of staff of the Israeli military, remarked on Tuesday, “We are conducting deep strikes and striking frequently in Syria and along the Syria-Lebanon border to prevent weapons transfers to Hezbollah.”
Simultaneously, Iranian news reports revealed that an Israeli missile targeted a building in proximity to a meeting involving Ali Larijani, a senior Iranian official, and Syria’s National Security Committee director. However, it was reported that Mr. Larijani was unharmed during the incident.
As detailed by the Syrian state news agency, the attack occurred around 3:20 p.m. local time, leading to substantial damage to multiple buildings. The Israeli military, while confirming the strike, asserted that significant damage was inflicted on a command center operated by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which is backed by Iran. Israeli officials held the Syrian government responsible for permitting such groups to function within its borders.
For years, Israel has conducted airstrikes in Syria aimed at curbing the influence of Iranian-affiliated militias such as Hezbollah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Traditionally, Israel has refrained from making specific comment about individual strikes. However, there has been a notable shift over recent weeks, with officials increasingly acknowledging their operations.
Herzi Halevi, the chief of staff of the Israeli military, remarked on Tuesday, “We are conducting deep strikes and striking frequently in Syria and along the Syria-Lebanon border to prevent weapons transfers to Hezbollah.”
Simultaneously, Iranian news reports revealed that an Israeli missile targeted a building in proximity to a meeting involving Ali Larijani, a senior Iranian official, and Syria’s National Security Committee director. However, it was reported that Mr. Larijani was unharmed during the incident.
