Syria: Increased security likely in Masyaf, Hama Governorate, after suspected Israeli airstrikes kill at least five people in area late Sept. 8

Suspected Israeli airstrikes targeted several sites in the vicinity of Masyaf, Hama Governorate, late Sept. 8, killing at least five people and wounding some 19 others, according to Syrian media sources. Officials may update the casualty count over the coming hours. 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 that firefighters were working to extinguish as of early Sept. 9. 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.