29 Feb 2024 | 12:57 PM UTC
Syria: Explosions near Damascus and the Syria-Lebanon border Feb. 29
Suspected Israeli drone strikes near Damascus and Al Qusair, Syria, Feb. 29. Further cross-border violence likely.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) allegedly conducted drone strikes in southern Damascus and near the Syria-Lebanon border on Feb. 29. Reports indicate that a car allegedly used by Hizballah assets was targeted in Al-Nahriya village near Al Qusair, Homs Governorate, resulting in one death. Reports indicate that Syrian air defense systems were activated in southern Damascus. While the IDF did not immediately issue a public acknowledgment of the suspected cross-border attack, it has regularly targeted Hizballah, Syrian, and Iranian military infrastructure across Syria, including in Damascus and Homs Governorate.
Heightened security and disruptions to transport and business are likely in the area over the coming hours. Emergency services personnel will likely deploy to impacted sites. Military forces in Syria and northern Israel 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.
Avoid the impacted sites until authorities give the all-clear and vacate the areas. 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 authorities give further instructions. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.
Tensions between Israel, Iran, and Tehran-aligned Syria are high. This is the latest in a string of recent cross-border acts of violence. On Feb. 28, the IDF allegedly targeted several sites near Damascus. Reports indicate that two Syrian citizens aligned with Lebanese Hizballah were killed and six others injured.
