14 Sep 2020 | 03:25 PM UTC
Syria: Airstrikes kill militia fighters near Al Bukamal (Deir Ez-Zor province) September 14
Suspected Israeli airstrikes kill ten pro-Iranian militia members near Al Bukamal (Deir Ez-Zor province) on September 14; further airstrikes likely over the medium term
Event
Suspected Israeli airstrikes killed ten members of a pro-Iranian militia near Al Bukamal (Deir Ez-Zor province) on Monday, September 14. Witnesses reported hearing six powerful explosions and the strike reportedly destroyed ammunition depots and vehicles. Israeli officials have not confirmed responsibility for the attack; however, this is standard procedure for attacks carried out by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Syria.
Further attacks on targets associated with pro-Iranian fighters are expected over the medium term and retaliatory attacks are possible.
Context
In a similar incident, at least 16 pro-Iranian militia members were killed in airstrikes in Deir Ez-Zor on September 3, which was also allegedly carried out by the IDF. 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
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.
