17 Aug 2021 | 07:42 PM UTC
Syria: Unconfirmed reports of suspected Israeli missile attack in Quneitra Governorate Aug. 17
Suspected Israeli missile attack targets militia site in Quneitra Governorate, Syria, Aug. 17. Retaliatory strikes possible.
Event
Explosions have been reported in Syria's Quneitra Governorate late Aug. 17. Unconfirmed media reports allege that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) struck an Iranian-backed militia target in the governorate with missiles. The IDF has yet to comment on the incident; however, it has regularly targeted sites belonging to Syrian government forces and Iranian-backed fighters throughout Syria. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
Military forces in northern Israel and Syria will almost certainly maintain a heightened level of readiness in the coming days. Further cross-border fire or retaliatory strikes are possible.
Context
Tensions between Syria and Israel remain extremely high. Israel has repeatedly expressed concerns over the presence of Iranian proxies in Syria and aims to prevent a build-up of Iranian-backed forces in the region. Since 2017, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has launched hundreds of preemptive strikes in Syria, targeting suspected Hizballah and Iranian-led fighters, weapons caches, and supply convoys.
Advice
Exercise caution and avoid all military sites in Syria. Heed the instructions of local security forces. If airstrikes, artillery fire, or warning sirens are reported in the general vicinity, report to the nearest bomb shelter until given further instructions by authorities.
