Syria: Airstrikes target T-4 Airbase in Homs Governorate, militia sites in Al-Bukamal Oct. 8

Event

Alleged Israeli airstrikes targeted Syria's T-4 (Tiyas) Airbase in Homs Governorate late Oct. 8, wounding at least six Syrian soldiers and damaging military equipment. Syrian air defenses reportedly intercepted most of the suspected Israeli missiles. The airbase is notably linked to Hizballah militants and Iranian military forces.

Also, unconfirmed reports indicate that a suspected Israeli drone attacked Iran-backed militia positions in the Al-Bukamal area Oct. 8.

Military forces in northern Israel and Syria will almost certainly maintain a heightened readiness level over the coming days. Further airstrikes, retaliatory attacks, and exchanges of cross-border fire are possible over the short term.

Context

Tensions between Syria and Israel remain extremely high. Israel has repeatedly expressed concerns about Iranian proxies in Syria and aims to prevent a build-up of Iran-backed forces in the region. Since 2017, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has launched hundreds of preemptive strikes in Syria, targeting suspected Hizballah and Iran-led fighters, weapons caches, and supply convoys, primarily in the country's southwestern governorates.