Israel Strikes Hezbollah Intelligence Facility Near Damascus

The Israeli Air Force recently targeted what it claimed to be an intelligence infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah near the Syrian Arab Republic's capital, Damascus, in an airstrike. The Israeli army announced on Monday that the operation aimed at a branch of Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters, which includes a network for intelligence gathering, coordination, and assessment located in the Syrian Arab Republic.

The Syrian Arab Republic's defense ministry reported that the Israeli attack struck civilian areas south of Damascus, causing some damage. The Syrian state news agency SANA indicated that the Sayyida Zaynab area was affected by the attack. This area, known as a stronghold for Hezbollah and home to an important Shia shrine, had been targeted in previous assaults as well. So far, there are no immediate reports of casualties from the incident.

In the wake of the Hamas militants' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and amid rising tensions with Hezbollah, Israel has increased its military activities in the Syrian Arab Republic. It is unusual for Israel to publicly disclose such attacks.

According to Syrian and Western intelligence sources, Israeli strikes in the Syrian Arab Republic have resulted in numerous deaths of Hezbollah fighters and Iran-aligned militants, particularly in areas south and east of Damascus. Sources also indicate that Sayyida Zaynab continues to be a focal point due to claims of the presence of senior militia leaders.

Following the attack, the Syrian Arab Republic’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Israeli airstrike, labeling the targeting of civilian areas as a "crime." The ministry called on United Nations members to take urgent action to halt Israeli aggression and ensure accountability for the actions taken.