Israel Bombs Syria, Four Civilians Reported Killed

First Israeli airstrikes in Syria during the Biden administration

Israeli airstrikes were reported in Syria early Friday morning outside the northwestern city of Hama. Syrian state media said four civilians were killed in the strikes.

The civilians killed were a family of four: a mother, a father, and two children. Syrian media also reported that four more civilians were wounded, and the strikes destroyed three houses.

The incident marks the first time Israeli airstrikes hit Syria during Joe Biden’s presidency. Israel has been bombing Syria for years, but the strikes have stepped up in recent months.

One of the last Israeli attacks on Syria during the Trump administration hit dozens of sites and killed at least 57 Syrian soldiers and Shia militia members. The airstrikes were reportedly carried out by using US intelligence.

Israel usually hits what they claim are Iranian targets inside Syria, although they are usually Shia militias. The recent uptick in attacks on Syria could have been an effort to provoke a military conflict with Iran before President Trump left office.

Israel will almost certainly blame any retaliation by the Syrian government or other forces in Syria on Iran, despite the fact that Israeli airstrikes have been hitting the country for years.

Author: Dave DeCamp

Dave DeCamp is the news editor of Antiwar.com, follow him on Twitter @decampdave.