Death Toll Rises to 16 in Syrian Airstrike Aftermath

An Israeli airstrike in western Syria has resulted in 16 deaths and dozens of injuries, marking the deadliest attack reported by Syrian authorities since April. The Syrian foreign ministry condemned the strike, alleging it targeted military sites, while sources close to Damascus deny it was a chemical weapons facility.

An Israeli airstrike has killed 16 people and wounded dozens more in western Syria, according to Syrian state media, marking the deadliest attack since April.

The strikes targeted military sites in the central region at around 11:20 p.m., with Syrian air defenses reportedly intercepting some missiles. Six individuals remain in serious condition. A military research center for chemical arms near Masyaf was reportedly hit, although a source close to Damascus denied it was a chemical weapons facility.

The Syrian foreign ministry condemned the strike, labeling it blatant aggression, while Iran's foreign minister spokesperson Nasser Kanaani also condemned the attack. Israeli forces have been targeting Iranian and Iran-backed positions in Syria for years.

(With inputs from agencies.)