In a significant escalation of regional tensions, Israel’s military announced on Tuesday that it conducted airstrikes on weapons storage facilities in Syria used by Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group and political party.
According to an official statement from the Israeli military, the airstrikes targeted “weapons storage facilities used by Hezbollah’s munitions unit in the area of Al-Qusayr in Syria.” The military claimed that the munitions unit had recently expanded its activities near Al-Qusayr, a strategic location close to the Syria-Lebanon border.
Earlier the same day, Syrian state television reported that Israeli airstrikes had hit the industrial area of Al-Qusayr in central Syria’s Homs province. The attack caused material damage, with state media noting that residential buildings near the industrial zone were also impacted. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
Ramez Saadeh, head of the Al-Qusayr City Council, confirmed the damage to industrial facilities but did not provide details on the extent of the destruction. “Assessments are ongoing,” Saadeh stated, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the aftermath of the strikes.
The recent operation follows Israeli airstrikes a day earlier on a site reportedly used as Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters in Damascus. These consecutive strikes indicate an intensifying pattern of Israeli military actions in Syria.
Israel has ramped up its military operations in Syria in recent months, primarily targeting what it identifies as arms shipments and military infrastructure linked to Iran and Hezbollah—both considered by Israel as significant regional adversaries. The Israeli government has consistently expressed concern over Hezbollah’s growing military capabilities and Iran’s influence in the region.
The situation underscores the complex dynamics of the Syrian conflict, where multiple international and regional powers are engaged. The frequent Israeli strikes raise questions about the potential for broader escalation and the impact on regional stability.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com