In MASYAF, Syria, the death toll from overnight Israeli strikes has risen to 18, with dozens more wounded, making it the largest death toll in such an attack since the beginning of the war in Gaza. One of the targeted sites was a research center used in the development of weapons, according to a war monitor. Syrian officials stated that civilian sites were also targeted. Israel has been targeting military sites in Syria linked to Iran and Hezbollah, with strikes becoming more frequent in recent months due to ongoing conflicts with Hezbollah and Iran. The Israeli military has not yet commented on the strikes, as they rarely acknowledge or discuss such operations.
Israel has been adamant about preventing Iranian influence in Syria, given that Syria serves as a crucial route for Iran to supply weapons to Hezbollah. The recent strikes hit multiple areas in central Syria, causing damage to infrastructure and sparking fires. Syrian Health Minister Hassan al-Ghabbash condemned the strikes as brutal and barbaric aggression, as the death toll rose to 18 with nearly 40 wounded. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 25 people were killed, including civilians, Syrian army soldiers, and members of Hezbollah and Iran-linked armed groups.
The strikes targeted various locations, including a scientific research center in Masyaf and other sites where Iranian militias and experts are believed to be developing weapons. The research center was reportedly utilized for developing precision missiles and drones. Minister of Electricity Mohammad al-Zamel highlighted the significant damage caused to water and electricity infrastructure, emphasizing that the attacks primarily targeted civilian sites, resulting in civilian casualties. Eyewitness accounts from individuals like firefighter Muhammad Sumaya and photographer Azzam al-Omar described the chaos and injuries caused by the strikes, with reports of shrapnel hitting civilians.
The strikes also led to fires in different areas, including around the coastal city of Tartous. Some reports indicated that air defense missiles had fallen in response to the attacks. The aftermath of the strikes left charred remains and ongoing smoke, indicating the extent of the damage caused by the airstrikes. The situation remains tense as the region grapples with the aftermath of the deadliest Israeli strike in Syria since the conflict in Gaza began. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with concerns about escalating tensions and the impact on civilian populations in the war-torn country.
