Syria: Seven casualties reported amid airstrike outside Damascus February 13 /update 3

Event

Media sources have reported that seven people were killed in an airstrike near Damascus on the night (local time) of Thursday, February 13. Four of those killed were Iranian nationals and three were Syrian nationals. According to Syrian military officials, multiple missiles launched from the Golan Heights were intercepted at approximately 23:45. While Israel is suspected of conducting the strikes, Prime Minister Netanyahu denied any knowledge of the strike

Similar airstrikes are possible in and around Damascus over the near term.

Context

Military targets, including Iranian-backed militia positions, near Damascus were hit in a series of strikes on February 6. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 23 people were killed. Israel was also suspected of conducting those strikes.

The Israeli military has struck more than 200 targets in Syria over the past two years, many of which have been arms depots and military facilities allegedly receiving arms and fighters from Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah group.

Advice

Individuals in Damascus are advised to monitor developments, seek shelter, avoid nonessential travel and affected areas, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

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.