28 Sep 2024 | 11:25 PM UTC
Syria: Suspected Israeli airstrikes target locations in Homs and Rif-Dimashq governorates late Sept. 28
Suspected Israeli airstrikes target sites in Homs and Rif-Dimashq governorates, Syria, late Sept. 28; further cross-border fire possible.
Suspected Israeli airstrikes targeted the vicinities of Al-Qusair in Homs Governorate and Assal al-Ward in Rif-Dimashq Governorate late Sept. 28. The former airstrike reportedly targeted machinery near the Syrian-Lebanese border and killed at least one person; the latter airstrike targeted a Lebanese Hizballah (LH) facility near the Syrian-Lebanese border, destroying it. Syrian air defenses were activated amid the attack and fired at the Israeli aircraft in western Homs Governorate. While the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not immediately comment on the incident, alleged Israeli airstrikes have regularly targeted bases of Iran-affiliated groups, such as the LH, 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 LH and other Iran-led fighters, weapons caches, and supply convoys, primarily in the country's southwestern governorates.
