Escalating Tensions: Israeli Strikes Target Syrian Suburban Sites

Israeli airstrikes targeted residential areas in the suburbs of Damascus, killing several and injuring others. The attacks aimed at sites linked to Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad. Israel has increased these strikes since a 2022 attack by Hamas, with high profile figures reported to have resided in the targeted buildings.

In a series of escalating airstrikes, Israeli forces targeted two residential buildings in the suburbs of Syria's capital, Damascus, on Thursday, leading to multiple fatalities and injuries, according to state news agency SANA.

The buildings, located in Mazzeh and Qudsaya, were said to be linked to the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad, according to Israeli army sources. These areas have previously housed key figures from Palestinian factions, making them significant targets.

This marks a continuation of Israel's strategy to hit Iran-linked targets in Syria, a campaign accelerated since the October 2022 Hamas attack. The suburbs have reportedly been used by Hezbollah and Iran's Revolutionary Guards, with past strikes having resulted in the deaths of notable commanders.

(With inputs from agencies.)