Syria: Israeli Missile Strike Hits Damascus Housing Complex, Killing 15

Syria still reeling from recent earthquake

Israel hadn’t launched significant attacks on Syria in several weeks, but did so early on Sunday with a missile salvo against the capital city of Damascus. The missiles hit a residential complex, badly damaging it and the surrounding area.

At least fifteen civilians were confirmed killed, including two women. A large number of injuries are reported, but no specific number. Israel has yet to comment directly, which is not uncommon when they attack Syria. Prime Minister Netanyahu accused Iran of recently attacking a Liberian-flagged, but Israeli-linked, oil tanker, and Israeli media are trying to tie the two issues together, saying the damaged complex is located near Iranian sites.

Critics say Syria needs more aid, especially in cities where earthquake damage has overwhelmed already strained infrastructure. Though Damascus wasn’t directly impacted by the earthquakes, it’s a regular target for Israeli strikes.

Details are still scant on the incident, though Syrian media reported that air defenses activated and intercepted several missiles. Casualties are mostly from a single direct missile hit on the residential building.

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.