Damascus, Syria – Israeli airstrikes in the Hama region of Syria have left 18 people dead, marking the largest casualty toll in Syria since the outbreak of the war in Gaza. According to Syrian state media and local reports, the strikes targeted Iranian-backed militia bases and Hezbollah-affiliated facilities, escalating tensions further in the already volatile region.
The strikes, which occurred late Saturday, were part of a broader Israeli effort to dismantle what they perceive as an expanding threat from Iran and its regional proxies. Syria’s SANA news agency reported that the attack caused significant destruction and left many wounded, though the extent of the damage is still being assessed. The casualty toll could rise as rescue operations continue.
Details of the Strikes
The airstrikes reportedly focused on military installations in Hama and other key regions. Israeli jets were said to have targeted weapons depots, command centers, and other infrastructure linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Hezbollah. Al Jazeera noted that the strikes come at a time when Israel has intensified its military operations, both in Gaza and against perceived threats in Syria.
Speaking to Reuters, a senior Israeli military official, who requested anonymity, said, “Israel will not tolerate any attempts by Iran and its proxies to establish a military foothold in Syria. We are taking necessary actions to prevent that from happening.”
Syria’s Response
Syrian officials have condemned the strikes, accusing Israel of violating its sovereignty. Faisal Mekdad, Syria’s Foreign Minister, issued a strong statement following the attack, saying, “These acts of aggression will not go unanswered. Israel continues to destabilize the region with its reckless military campaigns.”
Syria’s defense systems reportedly attempted to intercept some of the incoming missiles but were overwhelmed by the scale and precision of the attack. Hezbollah-affiliated media outlets also confirmed the strikes, reporting that several members of Iranian-backed militias were among those killed.
Regional Impact and Rising Tensions
This latest escalation in Syria comes amid ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, which began in response to a series of attacks by Hamas. According to The Associated Press, the strikes in Syria have raised concerns that the conflict could widen, particularly with Iran and Hezbollah increasing their involvement.
Iran has long used Syria as a base for its operations, supplying weapons and logistical support to Hezbollah, its Lebanese ally. The Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned the Israeli strikes, warning that continued aggression could lead to a wider regional conflict. “Israel’s continued actions will not go unanswered,” an Iranian government spokesperson told NBC News.
Hezbollah has also indicated that it could increase its retaliatory attacks on Israel if the strikes continue. In a recent speech, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah vowed that “any attack on our allies in Syria will be met with a fierce response.”
International Reactions
The international community has expressed concern about the escalation of violence in Syria and Gaza. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged restraint from all parties, calling for immediate de-escalation. “The situation in the Middle East is rapidly deteriorating, and I urge all sides to step back from the brink of a wider conflict,” Guterres said in a statement.
Russia, which has been a key ally of the Syrian government, also condemned the strikes. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, “Israel’s ongoing aggression against Syrian territory is a violation of international law and destabilizes the region further.”
Meanwhile, the United States has reaffirmed its support for Israel’s right to defend itself but urged caution. A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department told AP News, “We are monitoring the situation closely and continue to support diplomatic efforts to bring stability to the region.”
Conclusion
As the death toll from the Israeli strikes in Syria rises, concerns grow over the potential for a broader regional conflict. With Iran, Hezbollah, and Israel locked in a dangerous cycle of retaliatory attacks, the risk of further escalation remains high. As Syria mourns the loss of 18 lives, the international community is watching closely, hoping to prevent an all-out war.
