Sunday witnessed reports of another Israeli incursion in Syria. However, in a departure from the usual norm, the information did not emanate from Syrian television or the SANA news agency.
Early in the dawn, around 4:30 AM, Syrian media outlets reported echoes of explosions in the vicinity of Damascus. Hours passed without any additional information. Yet, shortly after 8:00 AM, the Russian "Sputnik" network released a statement attributing the attack to the Israeli Air Force around the Damascus region.
Israel doing what the West refuses to carry out!
— RedBrasco - RedLehi (@redbrasco) August 13, 2023
Israel destroys Iranian terrorist facilities in Damascus, Syria. pic.twitter.com/htVW3W1QMS
A high-ranking official informed "Sputnik" about the nature of the attack, revealing that "Air Force jets fired several missiles directed at Damascus. Thankfully, our air defense systems were efficient enough to intercept most of these missiles before they found their mark." Following this, Syrian army personnel were deployed to one of the affected sites to evaluate the extent of the damage.
The London-based Syrian Center for Monitoring Human Rights, which has affiliations with the Syrian opposition, conveyed that there were powerful explosions in missile storage facilities controlled by Iranian militias located to the west of Damascus. These attacks resulted in considerable damage. However, as of now, there are no reports of casualties. The precise nature of the attack, whether it was an airstrike or a missile assault launched from the ground, remains uncertain.
🇮🇱🇸🇾 Israel conducts another routine aggression on Syria this morning.
— Albro (@AlbroBrady4) August 13, 2023
Damages limited to materials after explosion rocked Damascus following interception of Israeli missile by air defenses. pic.twitter.com/g9wTmrQHby
It's worth noting that, just a week prior, Syrian media reported the activation of their air defense systems in response to an alleged Israeli attack, also centered around Damascus. Interestingly, this was the inaugural aerial assault reported in Syria since a significant number of IDF pilots, including reserve officers, declared their intention not to participate in the reserves due to the annulment of the “Reasonableness Clause”.
Previous reports suggested that this earlier attack resulted in six fatalities, which comprised four Syrian military personnel and two other unidentified individuals. There is speculation that one of the deceased might have been a scientist actively engaged in a missile precision initiative.
Significant explosions reported in the Damascus area in the last hour. The incident may be caused by Israeli air strikes. pic.twitter.com/s8XeiEHB2S
— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) August 13, 2023
Reflecting on last week's assault, a Syrian military spokesperson provided further insight, saying: "At approximately 02:20, we faced an aerial assault from Israel, coming from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan. These attacks primarily targeted several locations in the Damascus city area. Fortunately, our air defense mechanisms were effective in intercepting these missiles, shooting down a few. Regrettably, the assault resulted in the death of four soldiers, injuring an equal number, and leading to material damages."
