29 May 2024 | 09:31 PM UTC
Syria: Suspected Israeli airstrikes result in multiple casualties in Homs and Tartus governorates as of late May 29 /update 1
Suspected Israeli airstrikes produce casualties in Homs and Tartus governorates, Syria, May 29; further cross-border attacks possible.
Suspected Israeli airstrikes targeted the Al-Furqlus area of Homs Governorate and the Baniyas area of Tartus Governorate late May 29. Syrian authorities stated the country's air defenses intercepted "hostile targets" in the country's airspace. Reports indicate that the airstrikes killed one civilian and wounded 12 others in Baniyas. The airstrikes in Al-Furglus killed at least three Syrians who were allegedly associated with the Lebanese Hizballah (LH) militant organization.
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.
