On Thursday, Israeli airstrikes on Damascus and a suburb resulted in at least 15 fatalities and multiple injuries, targeting Islamic Jihad locations. The strikes occurred shortly before an Iranian political meeting in the area, highlighting the ongoing conflict dynamics in the region.
Israeli forces executed at least two airstrikes on the western district of Mazzeh in Damascus and a nearby suburb, Qudsaya, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 individuals and injuring an additional 16, according to Syria’s state media, SANA. The strikes reportedly targeted infrastructure linked to the Islamic Jihad militant group. Witnesses indicated that a missile struck a five-story structure in Mazzeh, damaging its basement. The Israeli military stated that the airstrikes inflicted considerable harm on the command centers and operatives of the terrorist organization. These strikes occurred just before a scheduled meeting between Iranian adviser Ali Larijani and representatives of Palestinian factions at the Iranian Embassy in Mazzeh.
The ongoing conflict in Syria has drawn in various regional actors, particularly Iran, which supports President Bashar Assad’s government amidst a decade-long civil war. Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes in Syria aimed at countering threats from Iranian-backed militant groups, particularly Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad, the latter accused of collaboration with Hamas in recent hostilities against Israel. The strategic importance of Damascus and its suburbs has made them prime targets in these military operations, reflecting Israel’s broader security concerns in the region.
The recent airstrikes conducted by Israeli forces in Damascus underline the continuing tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving Israel, Iran, and militant factions operating in Syria. With casualties reported and targeted operations against groups such as Islamic Jihad, the complexities of the regional conflict remain significant. Israel’s commitment to countering perceived threats from such organizations demonstrates an ongoing security strategy aimed at disrupting their operations within Syria.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com