09 May 2018 | 07:21 PM UTC
Syria: Suspected Israeli airstrikes on Al-Kiswah kill at least 15 May 8 /update 1
Suspected Israeli airstrikes on Iran-linked military post in Al-Kiswah (south of Damascus) kill at least 15 pro-government fighters May 8
Event
Suspected Israeli airstrikes on an Iran-linked military post in the Al-Kiswah area (south of Damascus) killed at least 15 pro-Syrian government fighters on Tuesday, May 8. According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least eight of those killed in the strike were members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). The airstrikes followed reports that Israeli forces were mobilizing to counter "irregular activity" by Iranian troops in Syria. Additional Israeli strikes on Syrian government and Iranian military positions are possible in the coming days and weeks.
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.
