Israeli airstrikes in western Syria killed at least 16 people and injured 36 others, with six in serious condition, marking the deadliest reported Israeli attack in Syria since April, according to Syrian state media SANA, Reuters reports.
The strikes targeted several military sites in central Syria, including a major research center near Masyaf, allegedly involved in chemical arms production and housed Iranian military experts. The Syrian Foreign Ministry condemned the airstrikes as “blatant aggression” and noted that the strikes also caused fires and damage to residential areas. Iran also strongly condemned the strikes.
Israel has not commented on the strikes, which are part of its ongoing campaign against Iranian and Iran-backed targets in Syria. This campaign has intensified following the Oct. 7 Hamas-led assault on Israel. The April strike on the Iranian embassy compound in Damascus, resulted in the death of several senior Iranian commanders, including a top general.
