03 Jun 2024 | 12:10 AM UTC
Syria: Suspected Israeli airstrikes reportedly kill dozens in Aleppo as of late June 2 /update 1
Suspected Israeli airstrikes kill 17 militia fighters and wound several others in Aleppo, Syria, late June 2. Further attacks possible.
Suspected Israeli airstrikes targeted northern Aleppo in Syria late June 2. The airstrikes, which reportedly targeted multiple areas, killed at least 17 Syrian and foreign militia fighters and wounded 15 others. The death toll will probably rise over the coming hours. While the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not publicly acknowledged the attack, Israeli airstrikes have regularly targeted bases of Iran-affiliated groups in Syria.
Military forces in northern Israel and Syria 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.
