Israeli airstrikes targeted the Mazzeh district in Damascus, Syria, on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of four people, according to reports. The airstrikes hit a residential building in Mazzeh, a district that hosts embassies, security headquarters, and United Nations offices, escalating tensions in the region.
Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, confirmed the casualties, stating that the Mazzeh apartment was directly hit in the attack. He also reported a second Israeli airstrike targeting Qudsaya, a town to the west of Damascus.
Syrian state media confirmed the airstrikes on residential buildings, though the exact number of victims has not been officially disclosed. The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) released footage showing thick smoke rising from a street in Mazzeh, as well as reports of another residential building being targeted in Qudsaya.
Escalating Israeli Strikes in Syria
This latest incident is part of an ongoing series of Israeli airstrikes on Syria, a campaign that Israel has carried out for years, mainly targeting Iranian-backed forces and allied militias operating within Syria. Israel’s objective has been to curb Iran’s growing military presence and influence in the region, particularly near its northern border.
These strikes have drawn sharp condemnation from Damascus, which views them as violations of Syria’s sovereignty and an act of aggression. Despite the continued military actions, Israel has expressed concerns over Iran’s expanding role in Syria, particularly the deployment of advanced weapons and the strengthening of pro-Iranian militias.
Political and Military Tensions Rise
The strikes on Mazzeh and Qudsaya come amidst increasing political and military tensions in the region, with Israel continuing its policy of preemptive strikes aimed at deterring what it sees as threats from Iran and its allies. The Syrian government has repeatedly denounced Israeli airstrikes, but Israeli defense officials maintain that these actions are necessary to protect national security.
This ongoing conflict highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East, with Syria serving as a battleground for proxy wars involving Iran, Israel, and various militia groups.
