20 Jan 2024 | 08:55 AM UTC
Syria: Explosion in Damascus, Jan. 20
Suspected Israeli air strike targets building in Western Villas area of Damascus, Syria, Jan. 20.
An explosion occurred at a residential building in the Western Villas area (Al Mazzeh) of Damascus, Jan. 20. The cause of the explosion is unclear; however, initial reports suggest an Israeli airstrike was the cause of the blast. Several casualties have been reported. Conflicting reports suggest that either a senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad or Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps member has reportedly been killed. Israel has not commented on the incident.
Emergency services are likely to deploy to the impact site over the coming hours. Disruptions to ground travel are likely near the impacted site. Further incidents are likely.
Avoid the impacted site. 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 further instructions are given by authorities.
Tensions between Syria and Israel remain extremely high. Israel has repeatedly expressed concerns about Iranian proxies in 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.
