At Least 18 Killed in Israeli Airstrikes in Central Syria

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Facts

  • Between 18 and 25 people have been killed, and dozens more wounded, after Israeli air strikes hit several military sites in central Syria on Sunday night, according to the Syrian Health Minister.[1][2]
  • The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights described the 14-missile attack as 'one of the most violent Israeli attacks' in Syria in recent years, claiming it killed 'five civilians' and four soldiers,' as well as 'intelligence personnel and 13 Syrians working with pro-Iran groups.'[2]
  • The strike occurred near the city of Masyaf around 11:20 PM Sunday night, targeting an area containing military sites and scientific research centers allegedly used by pro-Iran groups and weapons development experts.[3]
  • The Syrian Military Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC), where several of the explosions took place, was sanctioned by several Western governments in 2017 for alleged involvement in Syria's project to produce and use the deadly sarin gas.[4]
  • Syrian air defenses reportedly intercepted some of the missiles, with the foreign ministry condemning the attack as an act of aggression. Iranian authorities also condemned the strike and denied all claims that Iranian targets were hit.[5]
  • Israel has targeted alleged Iran-backed sites in Syria for years, and has increased its attacks in the country since the beginning of its war with Hamas in Gaza.[5][2]

Sources: [1]BBC News, [2]Guardian, [3]Le Monde.fr, [4]CNN and [5]Reuters.

Narratives

  • Pro-Israel narrative, as provided by ISRAEL HAYOM. The targets of these airstrikes were inhabited by well known pro-Iran groups, with both pro- and anti-Iran media and organizations acknowledging this fact. They were also weapons manufacturing sites, including for chemical weapons, which would have been used by Iran if Israel didn't take action.
  • Anti-Israel narrative, as provided by Althawra. This is a continuation of Israel's indiscriminate killing across an entire region. Not only did this attack violate international law, but it's likely to spark a wider war that puts the whole of the Middle East at risk. Until Western governments stop supporting Israeli aggression, tensions will only escalate.

Predictions