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Israel strikes in vicinity of three Syrian cities, Syrian media say

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 20:36 GMT by reuters.com
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Israel Launches Airstrikes Near Three Syrian Cities, Prompting Strong Re‑Buke from Damascus

By [Name], Reuters Correspondent
September 9, 2025

Israel announced on Monday that it had carried out a series of airstrikes in the vicinity of three Syrian cities—Daraa, Homs, and Deir al-Zor—after receiving intelligence that Iranian‑backed militias had intensified their preparations for a potential offensive along the Israel‑Syria border. The strikes, which were reportedly conducted with F‑16 fighter jets and precision‑guided munitions, were aimed at a combination of artillery units, air‑defense batteries and logistics hubs that the Israeli Ministry of Defence (MoD) described as “strategic targets.”

Targeted Strikes, No Casualties Reported

According to the Israeli MoD’s public statement released at 09:00 local time, the airstrikes were “part of a continued deterrence policy” and had been executed in a “strictly defensive capacity.” While the Israeli forces confirmed that no Israeli soldiers were wounded, Syrian state media outlets reported that there were no civilian casualties, though some infrastructure damage was observed in the outskirts of the targeted areas. A spokesperson for the Syrian General Intelligence Directorate (GD) noted that a small number of vehicles belonging to Iranian-backed groups were destroyed, but the GD “did not confirm the extent of damage to military installations.”

The Syrian state broadcaster, SANA, echoed the GD’s assessment, highlighting that the Israeli strikes were a violation of “Syria’s sovereignty” and a “direct threat to regional stability.” A statement released by the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the action as an “unprovoked attack” and warned of “serious consequences” if Israel repeated such operations.

Israel’s Rationale: Deterring Iranian Aggression

In a brief interview with a senior officer from the Israeli MoD, the official underscored that the operations were in response to “increasing Iranian militarization” in southern Syria. “Our intelligence indicated that Iranian-backed forces were amassing artillery and missile platforms capable of threatening Israeli lives and infrastructure,” the officer said. “These strikes were intended to degrade those capabilities and deter any future offensive.”

The MoD also cited a prior incident in late August, when Israeli jets struck a convoy of Iranian soldiers near the town of al-Bab, an operation that drew a sharp rebuke from Tehran. “We are not seeking conflict; we simply ensure that Israel remains secure against hostile elements,” the officer added.

International Reactions

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) did not convene a session following the strikes, but several member states issued statements. The United States, through its ambassador to the UN, reiterated Washington’s stance that Israel has the right to self‑defence, but also urged restraint and a return to diplomatic channels. “While we support Israel’s right to defend itself, we also recognize the importance of preventing escalation in a region already fraught with tension,” the ambassador said.

Russia, a key ally of the Syrian government, issued a formal protest through its Permanent Mission to the UN, describing the airstrikes as an “illegal violation of Syria’s territorial integrity” and calling for immediate cessation of Israeli military operations in Syrian airspace. Tehran’s foreign ministry released a statement denouncing the Israeli actions as “a blatant attempt to further destabilise the region and punish the Syrian government for its failure to contain Iranian forces on its soil.”

Background: The Israel‑Syria Nexus

Israel’s relationship with Syria has been characterized by intermittent conflict since the two nations’ establishment in 1948. While a formal peace treaty remains elusive, a fragile de‑facto ceasefire along the Golan Heights has persisted, punctuated by sporadic exchanges of fire. In recent years, Iran’s growing influence in Syria has complicated the security calculus for Israel, which fears that Iranian forces could establish a foothold capable of threatening Israeli territory.

In December 2024, Israel conducted a high‑profile strike on a Hezbollah convoy in northern Syria, which drew widespread condemnation and prompted the Syrian government to accuse Israel of violating its sovereignty. The Israeli MoD, however, framed that operation as a response to “immediate threats” posed by Hezbollah operatives allegedly planning a cross‑border attack.

The 2025 airstrikes continue this pattern of targeted, defensive operations, underscoring the persistent threat that Israel perceives from Iranian and allied forces in Syria.

Potential for Escalation

Analysts warn that the cycle of strikes and counter‑strikes could spiral into a larger conflict if not carefully managed. “Each time Israel conducts an airstrike, the risk of a broader escalation increases, especially if Iranian forces in Syria respond with retaliatory measures,” noted Dr. Lina Al‑Mahmoud, a Middle‑East security analyst at the Carnegie Middle East Center. “It is imperative that both sides exercise restraint and pursue diplomatic channels to avoid a wider conflagration.”

Syria’s Ministry of Defense has called for international mediation and has requested the intervention of the Arab League to de‑escalate tensions. Meanwhile, Israel’s intelligence agencies are reportedly monitoring the situation closely, preparing for potential Iranian retaliation.

Looking Ahead

As the day unfolds, diplomatic efforts are underway to diffuse the situation. The U.S. and Russia are coordinating through their respective embassies in Damascus to urge both parties toward de‑escalation. Meanwhile, the United Nations has called for a special meeting of the UNSC to discuss the recent airstrikes and the broader security situation in the Levant.

In the meantime, Israel’s military remains on high alert, with the MoD pledging to continue its “protective patrols” along the Syria‑Israel border. The international community watches closely, as the fragile balance in the region continues to teeter on the edge of potential conflict.