Damascus. Israel carried out at least two airstrikes on a western Damascus neighborhood and a suburb of the capital on Thursday, killing at least 15 people and wounding 16 others, Syria’s state news agency SANA reported.
Airstrikes in the Mazzeh neighborhood of Damascus and the Qudsaya suburb northwest of the capital hit two buildings. An Associated Press journalist who was at the scene in Mazzeh said a five-story building was damaged by a missile that hit the basement.
Israeli military forces said they had hit infrastructure sites and command centers of the Islamic Jihad militant group in Syria and had “inflicted significant damage to the terrorist organization’s command center and its operatives.”
The airstrikes on Damascus and the nearby suburb occurred shortly before Ali Larijani, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, was scheduled to meet in the Syrian capital with representatives of Palestinian factions at the Iranian embassy in Mazzeh.
The Israeli military claimed that Islamic Jihad had participated alongside Hamas, the Palestinian militant group in the Gaza Strip, in the October 7, 2023 attacks in southern Israel that sparked the ongoing war in the Middle East.
The military “will continue to operate against the terrorist organization Islamic Jihad where necessary,” he said.
An official with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group said the attack in Mazzeh targeted one of its offices, and that several members of the group were killed. The officer spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press.
SANA mentioned that Syria’s air defenses were activated against a “hostile target” south of the central city of Homs, without giving further details.
Tehran has been a major backer of Syrian President Bashar Assad’s government since a 2011 uprising turned into an all-out civil war and has played an instrumental role in turning the tide of the conflict in its favor.
Iran has sent dozens of military advisers and thousands of Iranian-backed fighters from across the Middle East to Syria to fight on Assad’s side. Tehran has also been an economic lifeline for Assad, sending fuel and lines of credit worth billions of dollars.
Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes in Syria targeting members of the Lebanese political-paramilitary group Hezbollah and officials of Iranian-backed groups.
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#Israeli #attacks #leave #dead #Damascus #Syria
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**Point:** Dr. Petrova states that Israel has consistently targeted what it perceives as threats emanating from Syria.
## World Today News Interview: Israeli Airstrikes on Damascus
**Welcome back to World Today News. Today we will be discussing the recent Israeli airstrikes in Damascus, Syria, with two esteemed guests. First, we have Dr. Anya Petrova, a Middle East political analyst with expertise in the Syrian conflict. Dr. Petrova, thank you for joining us.**
**Dr. Petrova:** Thank you for having me.
**Also with us is Mr. Khalil Mahmoud, a human rights advocate focusing on the impact of the Syrian war. Mr. Mahmoud, welcome to the program.**
**Mr. Mahmoud:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**(I) The Airstrikes and Their Target**
**Host:** On Thursday, Israeli forces targeted buildings in Damascus, reportedly killing 15 people, including members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, and wounding others. Dr. Petrova, can you provide some context to these specific airstrikes and their relation to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip?
**Dr. Petrova:** This attack comes amid heightened tensions after the Hamas offensive on October 7th. Israel claims Islamic Jihad played a role in that offensive and has retaliated by targeting suspected operational bases in Syria. This aligns with Israel’s consistent policy of striking what it perceives as threats emanating from Syria, often targeting Iranian-backed militias like Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad.
**Host:** Mr. Mahmoud, these airstrikes took place near a planned meeting involving Iranian officials and Palestinian factions. What might the implications be, given the complex geopolitical dynamics at play?
**Mr. Mahmoud:** These attacks raise serious concerns about the escalation of an already deadly conflict. Targeting areas with potential diplomatic engagement further complicates the situation and could impede efforts to achieve a ceasefire and lasting peace. The potential for civilian casualties also disproportionately affects the Syrian people, already bearing the brunt of years of war.
**(II) The Role of Syria and Iran**
**Host:** Dr. Petrova, Syria has become a central battleground in the regional rivalry between Israel and Iran. How does this latest attack fit into the broader Syrian conflict and its international implications?
**Dr. Petrova:** Syria has become a proxy battleground for regional powers, with Iran supporting the Assad regime and Israel deeply wary of Iranian influence in the region. These airstrikes showcase Israel’s determination to prevent Iran from establishing a foothold on its northern border. The situation poses a critical challenge to international efforts to stabilize Syria and address the humanitarian crisis there.
**Host:** Mr. Mahmoud, Syrian civilians have suffered immensely from the ongoing conflict. How do these airstrikes likely impact the lives of ordinary Syrians?
**Mr. Mahmoud:** Any military action within Syria has a devastating impact on civilians who are already struggling to survive. These airstrikes exacerbate the humanitarian crisis by causing displacement, destroying infrastructure, and further hindering access to essential services like healthcare and education. It is crucial for the international community to pressure all parties involved to protect civilians and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
**(III) Moving Forward: Pathways to De-escalation**
**Host:** both guests, what steps can be taken to de-escalate tensions and prevent further violence in Syria?
**Dr. Petrova:** Finding a lasting solution to the complex Syrian conflict remains a Herculean task. International mediation is crucial, along with dialogue between all stakeholders, including Israel, Iran, and regional players. Addressing the underlying grievances that fuel the conflict, such as the Palestinian issue, is essential for a long-term solution.
**Mr. Mahmoud:** Ultimately, the focus must be on protecting civilians and upholding their fundamental human rights. All parties involved need to prioritize diplomacy and humanitarian aid. Additionally, holding accountable those responsible for war crimes and human rights atrocities is essential for achieving true justice and reconciliation in Syria.
**Host:** Thank you both for providing your valuable insights. This is a crucial issue that demands continued attention and international cooperation. We hope that by understanding the various perspectives and complexities involved, we can work towards a more peaceful and stable future for Syria and the region.
