Syria: Suspected Israeli airstrikes hit targets near Aleppo September 11

Event

Missiles, believed to have been launched form Israeli military aircraft, are reported to have hit several unidentified targets near the northern city of Aleppo in the early hours of Friday, September 11. A statement on Syrian state media subsequently claimed that the missiles had been intercepted by air defenses before reaching their targets and that there were no casualties from the incident. However, such claims have frequently been made following such airstrikes without providing evidence of missile interceptions. Israeli officials have yet to comment on the airstrikes.

Further airstrikes targeting suspected Hezbollah interests are likely in Syria in the medium term.

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 Lebanon-based Hezbollah group. Having perceived an increasing Iranian presence in Syria, Israeli attacks have increased in their frequency over the past few months.

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.