Syria: Multiple airstrikes reported near Damascus and Quneitra June 2

Event

Syria’s Ministry of Defense reported multiple suspected Israeli airstrikes near Damascus and in Quneitra province during the early morning hours (local time) of Sunday, June 2. The first incident occurred around 03:22 southwest of Damascus. Syrian officials claimed that air defense systems intercepted missiles targeting military positions. Additional airstrikes were reported at 04:10 in Quneitra province, resulting in at least three soldiers being killed and another seven wounded. According to unconfirmed local reports, a third wave of Israel strikes were launched near Damascus later in the morning. Further strikes are possible in the coming hours and days.

Context

The airstrikes on June 2 were launched after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that at least two rockets were fired from Syria into northern Israel on Saturday, June 1. 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.