09 Sep 2024 | 07:07 AM UTC
Syria: Death toll for suspected Israeli airstrikes in Masyaf, Hama Governorate, increases to 14 as of early Sept. 9 /update 1
Death toll for suspected Israeli airstrikes in Masyaf, Hama Governorate, Syria, increases to 14 as of Sept. 9; further attacks possible.
At least 14 people have died, and 43 others injured following suspected Israeli airstrikes in the vicinity of Masyaf, Hama Governorate, late Sept. 8. The strikes reportedly hit a military research center in the area and damaged the Masyaf-Wadi al-Uyun highway. Additionally, Syrian media claimed that the strikes ignited a fire in the Hair Abbas area. While the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not immediately issue a public acknowledgment of the suspected cross-border attack, alleged Israeli airstrikes have regularly targeted sites linked to the activities of Iran-affiliated groups, such as the Lebanese Hizballah, across 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 remain high in the region. 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, primarily in the country's southwestern governorates.
