Israel: Suspected Iranian missile strikes in Golan Heights May 9

Event

On the evening of Wednesday, May 9 (local time), Israeli media reported that an estimated 20 missiles had been launched into the Golan Heights, near the border with Syria. Several of the missiles were reportedly intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome air defense system. According to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) officials, the missiles likely originated from Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) positions in Syria. No casualties have been reported as of 02:30 on Thursday, May 10; nevertheless, Israeli officials have urged all residents of the Golan Heights to remain in shelters until the warning is lifted.

Further details on the situation are still emerging. Retaliatory Israeli strikes on Iranian positions in Syria, as well as well as additional Iranian strikes on the Golan Heights are possible in the coming hours and days.

Context

On Tuesday, May 8, suspected Israeli airstrikes on an Iran-linked military post in the Al-Kiswah area (south of Damascus) killed at least 15 pro-Syrian government fighters. According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least eight of those killed in the strikes were members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).

Also on Tuesday, May 8, the US Embassy in Israel issued a travel warning for the Golan Heights, requiring US government employees to obtain approval in advance to travel to the region. The announcement came amid recent heightened tensions in the region after Israel Defense Forces (IDF) requested that authorities in the Golan Heights open missile shelters, among other precautions, due to reportedly irregular activity of Iranian troops in Syria.

Advice

Individuals in the Israel are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.