Israeli Aerial Attack on Syria Results in High Casualty Rate
Deadly Attack on Syria
On Sunday night, an alleged Israeli aerial attack on Syria resulted in at least 18 fatalities and 36 injuries, according to reports from Syrian state SANA news agency on Monday. This incident has the highest death toll from an Israeli strike in Syria since the commencement of the Gaza war in October of last year. The explosions were observed shortly before midnight, affecting the Tartous and Hama governorates, especially in the Masyaf countryside. It is relatively uncommon for Israeli strikes to occur in this coastal area.
Targeted Facility
The facility targeted in the attack has long been suspected by the West to be a part of the Assad government's chemical weapons program. "Around half an hour before midnight, multiple airstrikes targeted the Syrian Military Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC) and several nearby buildings. I heard at least eight explosions, followed by the sound of ambulances," a local resident told CNN. The high casualty rate suggests that the research center building may have been occupied by employees and staff at the time of the attack.
Reactions to the Strikes
Syrian Health Minister Hassan al-Ghabbash characterized the strikes as a "brutal and barbaric aggression" against a sovereign state. Following the strikes, large forest fires broke out along the nearby Wadi al-Uyun highway in Masyaf.
Hezbollah Operatives Among the Casualties
The Associated Press cited a UK-based anti-Assad monitoring group, claiming that Hezbollah operatives were among the casualties. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 25 people were killed, including at least five civilians. The remaining casualties included Syrian army soldiers and members of Hezbollah and other Iran-linked armed groups.
Targeted Facilities and Repercussions
The reality is that these weapons program facilities have been targeted by Israel for many years in an attempt to degrade the Syrian Army's capabilities. This follows Western allegations that Assad forces had deployed chemical weapons against 'rebel' strongholds. Damascus, however, has consistently denied these accusations, attributing chemical weapons attacks and mass atrocities to West-backed jihadi insurgents. The region is currently on high alert for a potential Iranian attack on Israel in response to recent major provocations. This latest Israeli attack on Syria is likely to provoke Tehran and Damascus, potentially escalating the situation further.
Bottom Line
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions and conflicts in the Middle East, with the potential for further escalation. What are your thoughts on this situation? Feel free to share this article with your friends and discuss. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, delivered every day at 6pm.
