01 Jan 2023 | 11:24 PM UTC
Syria: Suspected Israeli airstrikes target multiple locations in Damascus early Jan. 2
Suspected Israeli airstrikes reported in Damascus, Syria, early Jan. 2; further cross-border attacks possible over the short term.
Event
Syrian air defenses reportedly responded to suspected Israeli airstrikes targeting unknown locations in the capital Damascus early Jan. 2. 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.
