Syria: Airstrikes kill an Iranian military adviser in Damascus countryside early March 31 /update 2

Event

Suspected Israeli airstrikes targeted an arms depot near Damascus early March 31, killing one Iranian military adviser. The arms depot reportedly belonged to the Syrian government and Iranian-aligned groups. Syrian state media claimed that Syrian air defenses intercepted several missiles. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has regularly targeted military bases and airports in areas under the Syrian government's control; however, as a matter of policy, it does not typically acknowledge airstrikes. Additional similar attacks are almost certain over the coming days and weeks.

Context

The March 31 attack is the second attack in the Damascus area that the IDF has reportedly conducted within 24 hours. The other attack reportedly wounded two soldiers and caused material damage in the capital early March 30.

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. 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.