Israeli Airstrikes Killed Three Near Syrian Capital

Syrian Observatory claims slain were pro-Iran fighters

Following up on reports of overnight Israeli airstrikes near Damascus, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights now reports a weapons depot was hit and destroyed, and that three people, whom they labeled as “Iran-backed paramilitary fighters,” were slain.

Last night reports were that Syrian air defenses had intercepted almost everything, and that four soldiers were wounded. Israel often carries out attacks on alleged weapons depots in Syria, usually on the pretext of keeping arms away from Iran’s allies.

Israel, as usual, refused to comment on the attack, as they don’t comment on attacks initially reported in the foreign media. Israel carries out similar attacks several times per month.

When Israeli officials do comment, it tends to be on the rare occasion they hit someone of note within a group like Hezbollah. Beyond that, officials will emphasize that they intend to continue the strikes until Iran leaves Syria.

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.