Israeli Airstrikes in Syria Kill 15, Target Islamic Jihad Facilities

Israeli airstrikes in Damascus and a nearby suburb resulted in 15 deaths and 16 injuries, targeting Islamic Jihad. This military action coincided with a political meeting involving Iranian officials, which illustrates the complex interplay of military and diplomatic engagements in the ongoing Syrian conflict.

On Thursday, Israeli airstrikes targeted the western neighborhood of Mazzeh in Damascus and a suburb named Qudsaya. According to Syria’s state media agency SANA, these strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 15 individuals and left 16 others wounded. Reports indicate that a five-story building in Mazzeh was severely damaged after a missile struck its basement. The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed their operation aimed to dismantle infrastructure and command centers linked to the Islamic Jihad militant group, claiming substantial damage was inflicted upon the group’s capabilities. This military action occurred just prior to a scheduled meeting between Ali Larijani, an advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, and representatives from Palestinian factions at the Iranian Embassy in Mazzeh. The Israeli military stated that the Islamic Jihad had actively collaborated with Hamas in the recent attacks on southern Israel, which instigated the current conflict in the region. An anonymous Palestinian Islamic Jihad official confirmed that the airstrike hit one of their offices, resulting in the deaths of several members. Furthermore, Syria’s air defenses were reportedly activated against a perceived hostile target south of Homs, although the details remain undisclosed. Iran continues to be a significant supporter of President Bashar Assad’s administration, providing military advisors and funds vital to the Syrian war effort, significantly influencing the conflict’s dynamics in favor of Assad’s regime. Israel has executed numerous airstrikes across Syria, focusing on individuals affiliated with Hezbollah and other Iranian-linked groups to safeguard its national security interests.

The ongoing conflict in Syria has drawn various regional players into the fray, most notably Israel and Iran. Israel justifies its airstrikes as necessary actions against perceived threats from Iranian-backed militant groups operating within Syria. The enduring support from Iran for Syria’s Assad regime has enabled the latter to withstand internal rebellion since 2011, ultimately transforming the civil war’s course. The intersection of military actions between Israel and Iranian-affiliated groups marks a significant escalation in a complex geopolitical confrontation in the Middle East, tied closely to the broader conflict involving Palestinian factions and Israel.

The recent Israeli airstrikes in Syria underscore the continued volatility in the Middle East, fueled by long-standing tensions between Israel and Iran-backed groups. The attacks resulted in considerable casualties and highlighted the intricate relationships among regional powers. As both sides confirm their military operations, the situation remains precarious, with ongoing developments promising further repercussions in the already turbulent landscape of the region.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com