Israeli Warplanes Attack Areas Near Syrian City of Hama

Syria reports air defenses intercepted several rockets

One day after Israeli officials began talking up a new escalation of their attacks on Syria, Israeli warplanes entered Syrian airspace, attacking the northern city of Hama and killing at least two people.

A flurry of Israeli rockets were fired at sites in al-Masayaf and Wadi al-Uyoun. This included a number of smaller security sites, and a scientific research facility and adjoining warehouse that had been attacked previously.

As usual with such attacks, Israeli officials have yet to comment on the incident, either to confirm that they did attack Syria, or why they attacked these particular sites. It is rare for Israel to discuss particulars of strikes.

Syria offered few details on what exactly was hit, or who the victims were. They did, however, report through their state media outlet that air defenses were deployed and had successful intercepted several Israeli rockets. They also reported air defenses active at Tartus.

That could be significant if confirmed. Tartus Province plays host to the Russian naval base in Syria, and Russia has long warned Israel not to make incursions anywhere near there. Israeli officials were talking about ignoring previous deals with Russia, but such a move could be risky, indeed.

Author: Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.