Syria: Airstrikes reportedly target sites in Homs Governorate late Nov. 8

Event

Suspected Israeli airstrikes reportedly targeted sites in Homs Governorate late Nov. 8. According to Syrian state media, the country's air defenses have shot down several missiles. The exact locations of the attacks remain unclear; however, Israeli airstrikes have regularly targeted Iran-backed militia fighters at T-4 (Tiyas) Airbase, located about 60 km (38 miles) west of Palmyra.

Military forces in northern Israel and Syria will almost certainly maintain a heightened readiness level in 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 southwestern Syria and aims to prevent a build-up of Iran-backed forces in the region. Since 2017, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have 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.