Syria: Israeli airstrike hits building in Damascus November 12

Event

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reportedly conducted an airstrike in Damascus during the early morning hours (local time) of Tuesday, November 12. According to initial reports, the strike targeted Akram Al-Ajouri, an official of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), in the Mezzeh area of the city. Syrian state media reported that Al-Ajouri’s son was killed in the operation along with another person; six people were also wounded. Local media also said that air defenses fire at a “hostile target” over the suburb of Daraya.

Similar Israeli airstrikes are possible in the near term.

Context

The strike in Damascus occurred shortly after the IDF killed the commander of the PIJ Al-Quds Brigade in an airstrike in Gaza. Israeli officials claim that the PIJ was imminently planning on carrying out an attack on Israel.

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

Individuals in Damascus are advised to monitor developments, seek shelter, avoid nonessential travel and affected areas, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

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.