DAMASCUS, Syria: Israel launched a missile strike targeting the residential neighborhood of Kafr Sousa in Damascus, as reported by Syrian state media on Wednesday. The attack marks a recent escalation in hostilities amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
According to Syria’s state TV, the Israeli attack involved multiple missiles striking the residential area, with Kafr Sousa being known for housing various security and military installations. Further details regarding the strike were not immediately provided.
Images released by Syria’s state news agency, SANA, depicted the aftermath of the attack, revealing significant damage to a multi-story building, with windows blown out and a fire visible in one of the targeted apartments. Firefighters were observed working to extinguish the blaze, while authorities cordoned off the affected area.
The conflict between Israel and Syria has endured since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011, with Israel frequently conducting airstrikes on Syrian territory. These strikes target Hezbollah and Syrian military positions.
The frequency of Israeli airstrikes has notably increased since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7th, with several reported attacks occurring this month alone.
Israeli authorities have consistently emphasized their stance against allowing Iran to extend its influence in Syria, citing concerns over Iran’s support for President Bashar al-Assad’s regime and Hezbollah.
Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari previously disclosed that over 50 Hezbollah targets in Syria and 3,400 in Lebanon had been targeted by Israeli forces since the commencement of the Gaza conflict on February 3rd.