Syria: Air defenses confront 'hostile targets' in skies above Damascus early Feb. 19

Event

Syrian air defenses have reportedly confronted "hostile targets" in the skies above Damascus early Feb. 19; the "hostile targets" may be Israeli projectiles used to carry out airstrikes. While the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not immediately acknowledge the incident, alleged Israeli airstrikes have regularly targeted military bases across Syria. There have been no immediate reports of casualties or material damage in connection with the event; however, Syrian authorities and state media may report casualties and damage over the coming hours.

Military forces in northern Israel and Syria will almost certainly maintain a heightened security posture over the coming days. Additional airstrikes, retaliatory attacks, and exchanges of cross-border fire cannot be ruled out 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.