“Sounds of explosions were heard following an Israeli strike on Syrian army positions in Quneitra province,” said the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), which has an extensive network of sources in Syria.
The non-governmental organization said explosions were also heard in the Golan Heights, but did not identify their source.
According to the organization, the strike in Quneitra caused material damage.
The raid coincides with an announcement by the Israeli military on social network X of strikes against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, which borders the Golan Heights. Hezbollah is an ally of the Syrian regime and an enemy of Israel.
Clashes between Hezbollah fighters and the Israeli army in the Israel-Lebanon border area have also increased since the start of the war, triggered by an unprecedented attack by Hamas militants on Israel on October 7.
At least 18 people were killed on the Lebanese side during clashes along the Israeli-Lebanese border.
Most of the dead were militants, including 10 Hezbollah members, a Reuters journalist and two civilians.
At least three people were killed on the Israeli side.
On October 10, in the first since a surprise attack by Hamas, the Israeli military said it responded with artillery fire on Syria from the Golan Heights after shelling of the territory, which Israel has occupied since 1967.
On Saturday, an Israeli airstrike targeted Aleppo airport, injuring five people and shutting down the airport.
According to state media, Israeli strikes on October 12 grounded flights at airports in Aleppo and the capital Damascus, which are controlled by the war-torn Syrian government.
Israel rarely comments on its individual strikes in Syria, but has repeatedly said it will not allow its bitter enemy Iran, which backs Damascus, to expand its influence in the country.
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#SOHR #Israeli #air #force #strikes #army #positions #southern #Syria
**Interview with Dr. Sarah Goldstein, Middle East Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Goldstein. We’ve seen an escalation in the conflict involving Israel, Syria, and Hezbollah. What can you tell us about the recent airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus?
**Dr. Goldstein:** Thank you for having me. The Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate is significant, marking a bold move in Israel’s strategy against Iranian influences in the region. By targeting an Iranian diplomatic site, Israel is sending a clear message that it will not tolerate what it perceives as a threat from Iran and its allies, particularly in Syria.
**Editor:** The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported explosions not only in Damascus but also in Quneitra and the Golan Heights. How does this fit into the larger context of military actions in the region?
**Dr. Goldstein:** Absolutely. The explosions in Quneitra and sound from the Golan Heights indicate that Israel is intensifying its military operations in areas close to its borders. This move aligns with ongoing tensions, especially as Israel has also targeted Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. The situation is delicate, with multiple actors involved, and the risk of broader conflict is very real.
**Editor:** The conflicts have escalated since the Hamas attack on October 7. How has this influenced Israel’s military strategy?
**Dr. Goldstein:** The attack on Israel by Hamas has significantly shifted the focus of Israel’s military operations. It has led to increased Israeli airstrikes not just on Palestinian groups but also on Iranian and Hezbollah targets to prevent any potential coordination or retaliation from these groups. The intersection of these conflicts creates a highly volatile environment.
**Editor:** With these developments, what should we anticipate in terms of regional stability?
**Dr. Goldstein:** Unfortunately, the outlook appears grim. The continued Iranian presence in Syria, combined with Hezbollah’s operations in Lebanon, suggests we may see further military engagements. Each strike or military action risks retaliation, which could spiral into a wider conflict involving not just these factions but potentially broader regional powers as well.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Goldstein. It will be crucial to monitor these developments closely in the days and weeks ahead.
**Dr. Goldstein:** Thank you for having me. The situation remains fluid, and we’ll need to stay vigilant.
