Israeli Airstrikes Hit Iran-Backed Militia Bases In Syria

Israeli forces have hit Iran-backed militia in two locations near Damascus, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has reported.

According to the NGO, the attack resulted in the deaths of two Syrian Hezbollah supporters, while six other people were wounded.

Syria's defense ministry also reported Israeli strikes near Damascus Wednesday night, marking the latest in a series of attacks against Iran-backed forces in the region.

“The Israeli enemy launched air strikes from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan, targeting a number of sites in the Damascus countryside,” the ministry said in a statement carried by state media.

The Israeli Defense Forces did not comment on the strike.

Lebanese television channel Al Maydeen, known for its pro-Iranian stance, reported a significant explosion heard in the heavily fortified Sayeda Zainab neighborhood of the Syrian capital, where a major Shiite shrine is located. No additional details were provided.

The neighborhood is in southern Damascus, where Iran-backed groups have a string of underground bases.

Since at least 2013, Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes in Syria, primarily aimed at pro-Iranian forces, including Hezbollah.

The frequency of the strikes has increased during the nearly five-month conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. A number of Iranian Revolutionary Guard officers have been killed in suspected Israeli strikes on Syria since December.

Since the conflict began on October 7, Hezbollah has launched multiple attacks from Lebanon into northern Israel, prompting retaliatory strikes that have considerably escalated tensions along the border.

Israel seldom provides commentary on specific strikes within Syria but has consistently stated its determination to prevent Iran from expanding its influence in the region.

The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights is based in the UK with access to a wide network of sources in Syria.