26 Nov 2023 | 03:48 PM UTC
Syria: Flights halted at Damascus International Airport Nov. 26 following airstrikes
Flights halted at Damascus International Airport, Syria, Nov. 26, following airstrikes. Flight disruptions likely.
Authorities have halted operations at Damascus International Airport (DAM) on Nov. 26 following airstrikes that damaged the runway. Officials have diverted flights to DAM to Aleppo International Airport (ALP) and Bassel Al-Assad International Airport (LTK), serving Latakia. Syrian state media alleges Israel is behind the strikes; casualties have not yet been announced.
The Israeli military has not publicly acknowledged the suspected cross-border attack. Israeli airstrikes on Oct. 22 caused similar disruptions and a number of casualties at DAM. Military forces in northern Israel and Syria will almost certainly maintain a considerably heightened security posture over the coming days, especially in light of the current conflict between Hamas and Israel, which began Oct. 7. Further airstrikes, retaliatory attacks, and exchanges of cross-border fire are possible over the short term.
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 further instructions are issued by authorities. Plan for delays at DAM and make alternative travel arrangements where necessary.
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 Israeli military 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.
