Syria: Suspected Israeli rocket attack targets Damascus area early Sept. 17

Event

A suspected Israeli rocket attack reportedly targeted Damascus International Airport (DAM) and areas south of the capital early Sept. 17. Syrian state media asserts that the country's air defenses intercepted most incoming projectiles; however, the attack reportedly left at least five soldiers dead and resulted in some material damage. While the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not immediately acknowledge the attack, alleged Israeli assaults have regularly targeted military sites across Syria.

Military forces in northern Israel and Syria will almost certainly maintain a heightened security posture over the coming days. Further strikes, 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 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.

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, take cover in the nearest bomb shelter and remain there until given further instructions by authorities.