Israel, Syria: Airstrikes reportedly target Damascus, rocket sirens activated around Umm al-Fahm, other areas early Feb. 9

Event

Israeli forces have reportedly carried out airstrikes in the vicinity of Damascus early Feb. 9. Rocket sirens have also been activated in northern Israel, including in the Umm al-Fahm area, among others; initial reporting suggests that anti-aircraft fire from Syria triggered the activation of the sirens. No casualties were immediately reported in connection with the cross-border hostilities.

Israeli and Syrian forces are likely to maintain an elevated state of military readiness over the coming hours and days to mitigate the risk posed by possible further cross-border attacks. Transport and business disruptions are likely in areas subject to cross-border attacks or warning sirens.

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 and northern Israel. 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.