Israeli Strikes in Central Syria Kill 14, According to Syrian State Media

At least 14 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes targeting military sites in central Syria, as reported by Syria’s state news agency, Sana. The strikes, which occurred near Masyaf in Hama province on Sunday night, also left 43 others wounded, according to a hospital director. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the conflict, said the strikes destroyed military and scientific facilities associated with Iran-backed armed groups. It reported that four soldiers and three civilians were among the dead. While the Israeli military did not comment on the attack, it has acknowledged carrying out hundreds of strikes in Syria over the years, targeting sites it claims are linked to Iran and its allies. The frequency of these attacks has reportedly increased since the Gaza war began in October last year, following cross-border attacks on northern Israel by Hezbollah and other groups from Lebanon and Syria.

Sana cited a Syrian military source who said Israeli jets launched missiles from Lebanese airspace at several military sites in the central region at around 23:20 local time (20:20 GMT). Syria’s air defense systems intercepted some of the missiles, the source added.

The strikes also caused damage to a highway, and a fire broke out in the Hair Abbas area. The Syrian Observatory reported “13 violent explosions” in Masyaf, an area known to house scientific research centers, pro-Iranian groups, and weapons experts. The Observatory stated that three civilians traveling in a car were killed, along with four unidentified soldiers. ⚡ Image Credit: GettyImages