13 Apr 2019 | 04:21 PM UTC
Syria: Israeli planes target military position near Masyaf (Hama province) April 13
Israeli warplanes target Syrian military position near Masyaf (Hama province) April 13, wounding at least six soldiers; similar Israeli attacks targeting Syrian military sites possible over near term
Event
Israeli warplanes targeted a Syrian military position near Masyaf (Hama province) on Saturday, April 13. According to Syrian state media, Syrian air defenses intercepted some of the rockets fired by the Israeli Air Force. Various casualty counts have been reported: Syrian state media reported that six soldiers were wounded in the airstrikes, while the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) claimed that an unspecified number of "Iranian elements and pro-Iranian militants" were killed and at least 17 others were wounded.
Similar Israeli attacks targeting Syrian military positions are possible over the near term.
Context
Over the past year and a half, the Israeli military has struck more than 200 targets in Syria, many of which have been arms depots and military facilities allegedly receiving arms and fighters from Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah group.
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.
