Late on Sunday, a series of alleged Israeli airstrikes targeted military sites in central Syria, with Syrian state media reporting at least 14 deaths and 43 injuries. Among the locations hit was the Syrian Military Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC), a facility long associated with the production of chemical weapons, according to Western officials. The strikes, which occurred near Masyaf in Hama province, also reportedly damaged infrastructure and sparked fires across the region.
Syrian state-run news agency SANA reported that the country’s air defenses intercepted some of the missiles but were unable to prevent significant damage. Local sources described the scene of multiple explosions followed by ambulances arriving at the research center, a site where Iranian forces have been said to develop advanced weaponry, including precision missiles and drones.
Syrian air defenses confronted Israeli drones targeting the Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Center in Masyaf once again.
At least 14 people were killed at dawn on Monday.
FOLLOW OUR LIVE BLOG https://t.co/zmbibhvP8W pic.twitter.com/eq1p3hsEA0
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) September 9, 2024
⚡️An Israeli bombing against Masyaf airbase near Hama, moments ago. pic.twitter.com/LtWzcQshAY
— Current Report (@Currentreport1) September 8, 2024
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the death toll has risen to 25, with casualties including civilians, Syrian military personnel, and members of Hezbollah. The research center, the target of numerous strikes in recent years, has been linked by Western governments to the Syrian regime’s chemical weapons program, a claim the Syrian government denies.
The attacks occurred amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, fueled by ongoing conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza. Israel, which has frequently conducted airstrikes in Syria to counter Iranian influence, did not officially comment on the Sunday strikes, adhering to its usual policy of silence regarding military operations in Syria.
These airstrikes are part of Israel’s broader strategy to prevent Iranian military entrenchment in Syria. Israeli officials have often expressed concern about the SSRC’s role in producing advanced missile technology and other weapons supplied to Hezbollah and Iranian proxies, viewing it as a significant threat to regional stability.
Expanded Coverage:
