Israel launched its second airstrike within three days in Damascus, Syria, targeting a shipment of precision-guided Iranian-made missiles intended for Hezbollah, according to a Middle Eastern intelligence official. Consequently, the airstrike on Sunday marked a significant escalation of Israel’s involvement in Syria’s ongoing civil conflict.
In addition, Syria’s state media reported that Israeli missiles struck a research center near Damascus, causing explosions and casualties. Notably, reports indicate that the strikes were in response to recent military gains by President Bashar al-Assad’s forces against rebel groups. Furthermore, a Syrian activist group confirmed large explosions in the area.
Similarly, the Israeli target, like Friday’s strike, reportedly included Fateh-110 missiles, known for their advanced guidance systems superior to Hezbollah’s existing arsenal. The Fateh-110, a short-range ballistic missile developed by Iran, boasts high accuracy and an extended range.
Moreover, Israel has expressed concerns over sophisticated weapons transfers from Syria to Hezbollah, a heavily armed Lebanese militia allied with Assad and a staunch adversary of Israel.
Meanwhile, Syria denounced the airstrikes, describing them as direct military support to “terrorist groups” fighting the government, a term used by Assad’s regime to label rebel forces.
Additionally, the U.S. State Department and Pentagon refrained from immediate comments, while Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the airstrikes without indicating potential retaliatory actions.
Following the airstrikes, Israeli military sources confirmed the deployment of their Iron Dome rocket defense system, citing ongoing assessments of the situation.
This latest airstrike follows a previous Israeli attack in January on the same Damascus research center, targeting trucks reportedly carrying SA-17 anti-aircraft missiles alongside the facility.
Overall, Israeli concerns persist about weapons falling into Hezbollah’s hands amidst Syria’s escalating internal turmoil and the involvement of Iran and Hezbollah in supporting Assad’s regime.
