Surge in Deadly Airstrikes in Western Syria Attributed to Israel

Deadly Airstrikes in Western Syria: A Surge in Violence

Overnight airstrikes in western Syria have resulted in the deaths of at least 14 individuals and left many others injured, marking one of the most severe waves of attacks in the region in recent months. Syrian state media and independent monitoring organizations reported on this alarming development on Monday.

The Syrian state-run news agency, SANA, has attributed the strikes near the city of Masyaf to Israel. Fayssal Haidar, the director of a local hospital in Masyaf, reported that 43 people sustained injuries, with six individuals in critical condition, highlighting the devastating impact of the attacks.

As of now, Israel’s military has not provided a response regarding these particular strikes. However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based organization that monitors the ongoing conflict in Syria, stated that the airstrikes targeted an area housing a scientific research institute in Masyaf. The Observatory later revised its report, indicating that 18 people had lost their lives, which included eight Syrian combatants and four civilians. It remains challenging to confirm these details independently due to the chaotic environment in the region.

Historically, Israel has conducted numerous operations against targets in Syria, citing concerns over Iranian influence and military presence in the country. Notably, a series of airstrikes in March near the northern city of Aleppo resulted in the deaths of at least 44 people, among them 36 Syrian soldiers and seven members of Hezbollah, the Lebanese militia that is heavily supported by Iran.

The Iranian government backs and supplies a network of proxy militias engaged in conflicts with Israel, including groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthi militia in Yemen. The ongoing tension has led to an escalation in attacks across borders, particularly following Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which were initiated in response to a Hamas-led assault last October.

As the situation continues to evolve, the international community watches closely, aware that the conflict’s ramifications extend far beyond the immediate region. The complexities of the Syrian war, intertwined with broader geopolitical tensions, make it a focal point of concern for security and stability in the Middle East.

Contributors: Rawan Sheikh Ahmad and Hwaida Saad