Syria: Operations reportedly suspended at Damascus International Airport (DAM), following airstrikes early Jan. 2 /update 1

Event

Reports indicate that authorities suspended operations at Damascus International Airport (DAM) following suspected Israeli airstrikes early Jan. 2. Initial reports suggest that at least two security officers died and two others were injured in the strikes. While the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not publicly acknowledged the attack, alleged Israeli airstrikes have regularly targeted military bases across Syria.

Military forces in northern Israel and Syria will almost certainly maintain a heightened security posture 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 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. The last suspected Israeli airstrike killed two Syrian soldiers and wounded three in Homs Province Nov. 13.

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.