Israel Strikes Syrian Targets, Sparking Regional Tensions
Early Friday, airstrikes near the northern Syrian city of Aleppo resulted in casualties among soldiers, as reported by Syria’s state media and an independent organization. This incident is believed to be one of the largest Israeli attacks in the country in recent years.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, based in Britain and monitoring the Syrian conflict, the overnight strikes claimed the lives of at least 44 individuals, including at least 36 Syrian soldiers, seven members of Hezbollah from Lebanon, and one member of a pro-Iranian militia. The organization noted that the casualty count might increase as more information becomes available. The airstrikes targeted multiple sites, including a weapons depot associated with Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group with a presence in Syria.
Israel’s military has yet to provide immediate comment on the recent strikes, though it has previously admitted to conducting numerous attacks on targets linked to Iran in Syria. Iran backs and arms various proxy militias engaged in conflict with Israel, such as Hamas, whose political leader was reportedly in Iran for high-level discussions this week, along with other Palestinian factions.
Cross-border attacks have intensified following Israel’s extensive aerial bombardment and ground incursion into Gaza in response to a Hamas-led assault on October 7, highlighting the escalating tensions in the region.
Israeli Strikes Escalate Tensions: UN Peacekeepers Express Concern
Earlier this month, the Israeli military announced having targeted over 4,500 Hezbollah sites in Syria and Lebanon since the conflict began, claiming to have eliminated more than 300 Hezbollah members. V Hezbollah’s official channels have stated that “more than 200” of its fighters have been killed thus far.
On Friday, Syria’s state-run news agency, SANA, reported an Israeli attack near Aleppo, without specifying casualties. Separately, Lebanese media stated that an Israeli drone strike targeted a car in southern Lebanon, resulting in at least one fatality.
Israel confirmed the strike in Lebanon, claiming it killed Hezbollah’s deputy rocket and missile unit commander. Hezbollah acknowledged the death but offered no details.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant praised the assassination and hinted at Israeli responsibility for the Syria strike, vowing continued pressure on Hezbollah in Lebanon, Syria, and beyond.
Israeli military and Hezbollah have clashed across borders for months, displacing Lebanese and Israelis.
On Thursday, the UN peacekeeping mission along the Lebanese-Israeli border expressed grave concern over the recent surge in violence, which has resulted in civilian casualties and widespread destruction of homes and livelihoods.
Israel’s Targeted Actions Escalate Concerns in the Region
Israel has reportedly targeted Hamas officials beyond Gaza, including the assassination of Saleh al-Arouri, a senior Hamas leader, in early January in a Beirut suburb. While Hamas, Lebanon, and the US officials attributed the killing to Israel, the country did not officially claim responsibility.
Since the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2011, Israel has conducted airstrikes and targeted killings within Syria, citing intentions to degrade the military capabilities and supply routes of Iranian-backed proxy groups like Hezbollah.
Throughout the Syrian conflict, Iran and Hezbollah have provided support to President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Israel perceives the growing influence and military presence of these actors near its northern border as a significant threat.
Syria Conflict to test Israel’s Diplomatic Tightrope walk
Complicating matters for Israel, Russia also supports Assad’s government. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu relies on maintaining good relations with President Vladimir Putin to contain Iran’s influence and continue operations in Syria, while endeavoring to avoid clashes with Russian forces stationed there.
Friday’s attack marked at least the second deadly incident in Syria within a week. On Tuesday, airstrikes in eastern Syria reportedly killed several individuals. While Iranian state media blamed Israel, Syrian state news attributed the strikes to American forces. However, a Pentagon spokeswoman denied US involvement.
According to reports from Iranian state media, one casualty in Tuesday’s strikes was a member of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. Additionally, the World Health Organization reported the death of one of its engineers in the same attacks.
Celebrating Good Friday in Aleppo despite the attack by both Israel & al-Qaeda last night..! Only the secular Syrian state protects all of its people, especially christians. pic.twitter.com/OAzngefug3
— Fares Shehabi فارس الشهابي (@ShehabiFares) March 29, 2024
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