08 Sep 2017 | 01:15 AM UTC
Syria: Israeli airstrikes target facility near Hama Sep. 7
Israeli airstrikes hit alleged chemical weapons facility near Masyaf, Hama governorate, on September 7; two Syrian military fatalities reported
Event
Reports say the Israel Defense Forces struck an alleged Syrian chemical weapons facility in Hama governorate on Thursday, September 7. The airstrike killed two soldiers and caused structural damage near the town of Masyaf, according to Syrian government officials. While Israel has not publicly commented on the incident, retired air force chief Amir Eshel revealed in an August 2017 interview that Israel struck Syrian and Hezbollah convoys nearly 100 times over the past five years.
Context
Syria is enmeshed in a complex civil war that started between the Assad government and opposition forces in March 2011. Today, the conflict in Syria involves many parties, including the Syrian government, the Russian government, the Iranian government, the Turkish government, a United States-led coalition, and numerous armed groups on the ground (including IS) with competing goals.
Advice
Due to extremely poor security conditions, Western governments generally advise against all travel to Syria, with some banning travel to the country. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to any travel to Syria.
