Syria: Airstrikes near Damascus wound soldiers July 20

Event

Syrian state media reported that air defense systems had been activated to intercept alleged Israeli missiles fired at targets on the outskirts of Damascus on Monday evening (local time), July 20. While Syrian sources claimed most of the missiles were intercepted, other sources state that some of the strikes targeting pro-Iranian militia positions were successful and at least seven soldiers have been wounded. Israel has not commented on the attacks.

Further airstrikes are possible in the near term, particularly in the vicinity of military targets.

Context

The Israeli military has launched hundreds of airstrikes into Syrian territory since the start of the civil war in 2011, many of which have targeted arms depots and military facilities allegedly receiving arms and fighters from Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah group. Having perceived an increasing Iranian presence in Syria, Israeli attacks have increased in their frequency over the past few months, with a series of airstrikes reported on almost a weekly basis in June.

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.