Israeli Air Strikes On Syrian Military Sites Kill 16, State Media Reports

At least 16 people have been killed in Israeli air strikes targeting military sites in central Syria, according to Syria’s state news agency, SANA. The attacks, which occurred on Sunday night in the vicinity of Masyaf, Hama province, also left 36 people injured, with six in critical condition.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported a higher death toll of 25, stating that the strikes targeted five locations, including a scientific research facility allegedly linked to chemical weapons production. The Observatory said those killed included civilians, Syrian government forces, and individuals associated with pro-Iranian groups.

The Israeli military has not commented on the strikes, while Syria’s foreign ministry condemned them as “blatant aggression.” Iran’s foreign ministry also condemned the action, calling it a “criminal attack.” Israel, however, has previously acknowledged launching hundreds of air strikes in Syria in recent years, primarily aimed at Iranian targets and allied groups, particularly since the onset of the Gaza war in October 2023.

SANA cited a Syrian military source, stating that Israeli aircraft launched missiles from Lebanese airspace at several military sites in the region, adding that some of the missiles were intercepted by Syrian air defenses. The strikes reportedly caused significant damage, including the destruction of the Masyaf-Wadi al-Oyoun highway and a fire in the nearby forested area.

SOHR also claimed that Iranian Revolutionary Guards had been stationed at one of the targeted research facilities, which has been suspected of developing precision missiles and drones. Western intelligence agencies have previously accused this facility of violating the Chemical Weapons Convention, a claim denied by the Syrian government.

This attack marks the latest in a series of Israeli strikes on Syrian territory. Since the beginning of 2024, Israeli forces have reportedly carried out 64 air and artillery strikes on Syrian targets, resulting in significant damage and the deaths of at least 205 fighters and 25 civilians, according to SOHR.

The escalation of Israeli air strikes comes amid ongoing regional tensions, including a direct military confrontation between Iran and Israel earlier this year.