Syria: Airstrikes by unidentified forces targeting Iran-backed militia positions around Al-Bukamal early April 21

Event

Unidentified forces have launched airstrikes targeting Iran-backed militia positions in the vicinity of Al-Bukamal, Deir Ez-Zur Governorate, early April 21. While no group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, the US military or Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are likely behind the airstrikes as they have regularly conducted similar actions against Syrian government forces and Iran-backed fighters throughout Syria. No casualties were immediately reported.

Military forces in northern Israel and Syria will almost certainly maintain a heightened readiness level over the coming days. Further airstrikes, retaliatory attacks, and exchanges of cross-border fire remain possible over the short term.

Context

Tensions between Syria and Israel remain extremely high. Israel has repeatedly expressed concerns about Iranian proxies in Syria and aims to prevent a build-up of Iran-backed forces in the region. Since 2017, the IDF has launched hundreds of preemptive strikes in Syria, targeting suspected Hizballah and Iran-led fighters, weapons caches, and supply convoys, primarily in the country's southwestern governorates.

Advice

Exercise caution and avoid all military sites in Syria. Heed the instructions of local security forces. If airstrikes, artillery fire, or warning sirens are reported in the general vicinity, report to the nearest bomb shelter until given further instructions by authorities.