SYRIA - Israel on Friday carried out its most intense airstrikes on Syria this year, targeting more than 20 positions in at least six provinces, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and state media.
The raids struck a wide range of locations, including Mount Qasioun, Barzeh, and Harasta in Rural Damascus, with explosions rocking areas near the Harasta Military Hospital.
The Observatory described the strikes as the fiercest since the beginning of this year, amid rising tensions between Israel and Syria. The attack reportedly caused dozens of injuries, though the casualty remains unclear. Ambulance teams were seen rushing to several affected areas, including Kanaker, where a drone strike earlier in the day killed four people, according to Al-Watan newspaper. The Israeli military has not issued a statement. However, Israeli media reported that new targets have recently been authorized by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz.
Israeli reconnaissance aircraft remained in Syrian airspace Friday, local media and eyewitnesses reported. The Observatory said Israel has now conducted 52 strikes on Syria since the start of this year, including 44 airstrikes and eight ground assaults, destroying at least 79 targets ranging from weapons depots and command centers to military vehicles and missile platforms. The wave of Israeli airstrikes comes amid regional instability and sectarian violence in Syria, especially in the south, where recent clashes between Druze fighters and pro-regime forces have left over 100 people dead. (Xinhua)
