At least 15 people were killed and 16 others wounded on Thursday when Israeli airstrikes hit a western neighborhood in Syria's capital, Damascus, and a nearby suburb, according to Syria's state news agency SANA.The strikes targeted the Mazzeh neighborhood and the Qudsaya suburb northwest of the city.
SANA reported that two buildings were hit, including a five-story structure in Mazzeh, where a missile struck the basement. The airstrikes caused severe damage to the buildings, and emergency teams were seen working at the scene.
Israeli Military Says It Targeted Terrorist Infrastructure
The Israeli military confirmed the airstrikes, saying they targeted infrastructure sites and command centers used by the Islamic Jihad militant group in Syria.
The military stated that it had inflicted significant damage on the group's command center and operatives. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) emphasized their ongoing operations against what they termed terrorist organizations in the region.
The attack in Damascus occurred shortly before Ali Larijani, an adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, was due to meet with representatives of Palestinian factions at the Iranian Embassy in Mazzeh.
The Israeli military highlighted that Islamic Jihad had played a role alongside Hamas in the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks on southern Israel, which led to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Palestinian Islamic Jihad Confirms Losses
A spokesperson for the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group said the airstrike in Mazzeh hit one of their offices, killing several members of the organization. The official, who requested anonymity, confirmed the strike targeted key members of the group. The group vowed to retaliate against what they called Israeli aggression.
SANA also reported that Syrian air defenses were activated against a "hostile target" south of Homs. No further details were provided regarding the air defense interception. Syria's air defense systems have previously faced criticism for being unable to stop some Israeli strikes.
Iran's Role in Syria
Iran, a key ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad, has been crucial in supporting the Syrian government during the country's civil war.
Tehran has sent military advisers and fighters from various Middle Eastern countries to support Assad's forces. Iran has also provided significant economic aid to the Syrian government, including billions of dollars in fuel and credit lines.
Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes in Syria, primarily targeting Hezbollah members from neighboring Lebanon and officials from Iranian-backed groups.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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