Israeli Airstrikes in Syria’s Hama Province Wound Two Civilians

Syria says its air defenses intercepted some missiles

Israel launched airstrikes in Syria’s central Hama province on Thursday, wounding at least two civilians, Syrian state media reported.

The Syrian reports said that air defenses intercepted some of the missiles that were launched from the direction of the Mediterranean Sea. The missiles targeted areas in Hama and Tartous, a province in western Syria on the Mediterranean Sea.

According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the targets included a scientific research facility and warehouses used by “Iran-backed” fighters, which usually means Shia militias that have a presence in Syria.

Israel has yet to comment on the airstrikes, and it’s rare that Israeli officials officially acknowledge their attacks on Syria. But Israel frequently bombs the country and has launched hundreds of airstrikes in recent years.

The Israeli bombing came after the US launched a series of airstrikes in eastern Syria against what it said were “Iran-backed” fighters, although Tehran has denied links to the groups the US has targeted. The escalation comes as the US and Iran are negotiating a revival of the nuclear deal, which Israel strongly opposes.

Author: Dave DeCamp

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