Syria: Government blames Israel for April 9 attack on Al-Tiyas airbase

Event

The Syrian government has blamed Israeli forces for an attack on Al-Tiyas airbase (Homs province), near Palmyra, that took place on Monday, April 9. Some 14 people, including Iranians, were reportedly killed in the airstrike, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not immediately comment on the incident.

Context

Syria remains enmeshed in a complex civil war that started between the Assad government and opposition forces in March 2011. Today, the conflict in Syria involves many parties, including the Syrian government, the Russian government, the Iranian government, the Turkish government, a US-led coalition, and numerous armed groups on the ground (including the Islamic State) with competing goals.

Advice

Due to extremely poor security conditions, Western governments generally advise against all travel to Syria, with some banning travel to the country. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to any travel to Syria