29 May 2024 | 06:20 PM UTC
Syria: Suspected Israeli airstrikes reported in Homs Governorate as of late May 29
Suspected Israeli airstrikes target Al-Furqlus area of Homs Governorate, Syria, late May 29; further cross-border attacks possible.
Suspected Israeli airstrikes targeted the Al-Furqlus area of Homs Governorate late May 29. Syrian authorities stated the country's air defenses intercepted "hostile targets" in the country's airspace. There have been no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage. While the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not immediately acknowledge the incident, alleged Israeli airstrikes have regularly targeted military bases across Syria.
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.
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.
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 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.
