The Israeli military announced on Tuesday that its forces conducted an airstrike in Damascus, resulting in the death of Salman Jumaa, a senior Hezbollah official responsible for coordinating with the Syrian army.
The confirmation came after earlier reports from a Lebanese security source, who told Reuters that Jumaa was killed when an Israeli missile struck his car near Syria’s capital. The targeted strike occurred on the airport road, a strategic route that has seen heightened military activity in recent months.
Syria’s state news agency reported the incident, noting the attack on the airport road but without providing details on casualties or identifying those involved. The lack of official comment from Syrian authorities has left regional observers seeking clarity on the implications of the strike.
Salman Jumaa was a key figure within Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shiite Muslim political party and militant group known for its close ties with Syria and Iran. His role as a liaison with the Syrian army underscored the interconnected nature of regional alliances amid ongoing conflicts.
The Israeli military’s operations in Syria are often aimed at disrupting what it perceives as threats from Iran-backed forces, including Hezbollah. Israel has conducted numerous strikes in Syria over the years, targeting weapons shipments and military infrastructure associated with Hezbollah and Iranian forces.
This latest incident highlights the escalating tensions in the region, as Israel continues to assert its security interests and Hezbollah maintains its influence within Syria. The death of a senior operative like Jumaa could have significant repercussions on the dynamics between these groups.
Regional and international analysts are closely monitoring the situation for potential responses from Hezbollah or shifts in Syrian military strategies. The longstanding conflict in Syria, complicated by the involvement of multiple foreign actors, remains a focal point of geopolitical concern.
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Israeli military confirms killing Hezbollah liaison with Syrian army
cgtn.com
