Syria: Suspected Israeli airstrike targets military base in Al-Safirah (Aleppo province) May 4

Event

Suspected Israeli aircraft carried out an airstrike targeting a military base and research center in Al-Safirah (Aleppo province) on Monday, May 4. Syrian military sources stated that air defenses were activated to prevent the jets from carrying out the strike; however, at least one missile hit a barracks. There has been no comment from the Israeli government.

Further airstrikes targeting military positions and militant groups in Syria are likely 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

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.