At least 16 people were killed and dozens injured following an Israeli airstrike on military installations in central Syria, according to state media reports on Monday.
The late-night attack targeted areas near the city of Masyaf in Hama province, causing significant damage and sparking fires in the region, as confirmed by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).
The Israeli aggression reportedly launched from Lebanese airspace at around 11:20 pm on Sunday, focused on several military sites in the central region. A Syrian military source stated that air defence systems managed to intercept and destroy some of the incoming missiles, but several still reached their targets, causing widespread damage.
SANA's latest report mentioned that at least 43 individuals were injured, with many in critical condition. Initial updates reported 14 dead, a toll that has now risen to 16, with several civilians among the casualties, according to a health official from Masyaf's public hospital.
Targeted military sites
Two regional intelligence sources told Reuters that the attack hit a military research centre believed to be involved in chemical weapons production. Iranian military experts, thought to be assisting in weapons development at the facility, were reportedly present at the time of the strike.
The Israeli military has not commented on the attack, following its usual policy of refraining from discussing operations in Syria.
Throughout Syria's 13-year civil war, Israel has regularly carried out airstrikes on Iranian-linked military installations, particularly in areas where Iranian forces or Hezbollah fighters are active.
Rising regional tensions
The recent airstrike comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran. Tehran continues to pledge retaliation for the assassination of senior Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Tehran in July. Iranian officials have also condemned Israeli actions in Syria, with a senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander, Mohsen Chizari, stating last week that Iran's response is "coming in due time."
In April, Iran launched a missile and drone attack on Israel, targeting several locations in retaliation for an Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic facility in Damascus. Israeli and U.S. air defences intercepted most of the projectiles, minimising damage.
Hezbollah, a Lebanese-based ally of Iran, has also increased its activity against Israel. The group carried out its own attack on August 25, following the killing of a top Hezbollah commander in an Israeli air raid in Beirut.
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