12 Mar 2024 | 07:37 PM UTC
Syria: Israel Defense Forces claim attack in southern Syria targeting Hizballah militants, March 12
Israeli airstrikes in southern Syria target Lebanese Hizballah militants, March 12. Further cross-border violence likely.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed to have conducted airstrikes in southern Syria late March 12. The attacks targeted at least two sites belonging to the Lebanese Hizballah (LH) militant group. The LH, Palestinian militants, and Shi'a militias have been using Syria to launch projectile attacks against Israel. While Israel does not always publicly acknowledge attacks, it has regularly targeted Syrian and Iranian military infrastructure across Syria, including in Damascus. The exact location of the Israeli airstrikes remains unclear.
The IDF has stated that it holds the Syrian government accountable for all activities stemming from its territory and that it will respond to any action that would enable the LH and other militants to stage attacks against Israel.
Emergency services personnel will likely deploy to impacted sites; transport disruptions are likely in affected areas. 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. 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 authorities give further instructions. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.
Tensions between Israel and Syria are 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.
