Four Syrian soldiers lost their lives, while four others sustained injuries following airstrikes believed to be conducted by Israel in the vicinity of Damascus, as reported by Syrian media which cited military sources. The Syrian state news agency, SANA, detailed, "In the early hours at 2:20 AM, an air raid was executed by the Israeli forces from the occupied Syrian Golan, focusing on the regions surrounding Damascus."
The assault led to the deaths of "four soldiers, while another four sustained injuries," SANA added. There were also reports of property and infrastructure damage. Moreover, Syrian air defenses claim to have intercepted several of the incoming missiles. An AFP correspondent stationed in the capital confirmed hearing a series of blasts.
#FOOTAGE: Israel destroys Iranian terror targets in #Damascus https://t.co/6ZoAlKfVQC pic.twitter.com/96BJb5Plxg
— Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) August 7, 2023
For over ten years, Israel has been suspected of carrying out hundreds of airstrikes within Syria. These are typically directed at Hezbollah militants, Iranian-backed forces, and certain locations of the Syrian army. Israel, maintaining its usual discretion regarding its operations in Syria, has repeatedly declared its determination to prevent Iran from solidifying its foothold in the region.
On the 19th of July, another suspected Israeli airstrike near Damascus resulted in the deaths of three soldiers and injuries to four others. Back then, SANA reported that two soldiers had been wounded. A military insider stated the focus of that bombing was "specific locales around Damascus." Following this, the Syrian Foreign Ministry vehemently condemned the attack.
In a subsequent report by SANA, an appeal was made to the United Nations and the Security Council, urging immediate intervention to hold Israel accountable and dissuade it from its "criminal endeavors." Just last month, Syrian media highlighted Israeli airstrikes in the vicinity of Homs, a city under the Assad regime's control. Subsequently, the IDF confirmed striking an anti-aircraft battery in response to missile attacks. On June 14, as reported by SANA, Israeli airstrikes near Damascus left one soldier injured.
Israeli strike reported in Damascus overnight; Syria says 4 soldiers killed; several sites bombed possibly connected to Iranian militias.#Israel #Iran pic.twitter.com/S3WOsRLpns
— LiveIranNews EN (@LiveIranNews_EN) August 7, 2023
Historical data suggests that previous airstrikes by Israel rendered airports in both Damascus and Aleppo non-operational. Towards the end of March and the start of April, Israel reportedly intensified its strikes on Syria, targeting positions held by both the Syrian government forces and pro-Iranian factions on four separate occasions within a week.
In light of the recent suspected Israeli operations, an IDF spokesperson was approached for comments, especially concerning the security situation along Israel’s northern frontiers. The representative acknowledged the seriousness of the situation but assured, "We remain vigilant and prepared for any eventuality in the Middle East. The public should remain calm. Our consistent efforts are geared towards bolstering security along our northern borders."
