Syria: Suspected Israeli airstrikes target Damascus area early Feb. 24

Event

Suspected Israeli airstrikes targeted the vicinity of Damascus early Feb. 24, including sites around Damascus International Airport (DAM) and Set Zaynab. Syrian state media claims that the country's air defenses shot down most of the Israeli missiles. Unconfirmed reports indicate two Syrian air defense rockets landed on the Damascus Airport Motorway, which leads to DAM.

Israeli and Syrian forces will likely 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 affected by cross-border fire, including DAM and the surrounding area over the coming hours.

Context

The airstrikes notably come a day after a suspected Israeli cross-border attack on sites in Syria's Quneitra Governorate.

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) have 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.