Syria: Some casualties reported following Damascus airstrikes February 6 /update 1

Event

Israel is suspected of conducting airstrikes around Damascus on Thursday, February 6. Syrian state media claimed that air defense systems intercepted most of the missiles, which were launched in two waves from Lebanon and the Golan Heights. There are conflicting reports regarding the number of casualties from the strikes. According to state media, eight people were wounded; however, an opposition monitoring group said 23 people were killed by strikes that targeted Syrian military positions and Iran-backed militias. Israel has not commented on the incident as of Friday, February 7.

Similar airstrikes are possible in and around Damascus over the near term.

Context

The Israeli military has struck more than 200 targets in Syria over the past two years, 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.