In a recent development, Syrian state media reported that the Israeli military conducted airstrikes in a vital eastern province of the country, resulting in injuries to two soldiers and significant material damage. As of now, there has been no official statement from Israeli authorities regarding the reported airstrikes.
The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) cited an unnamed military official who disclosed that the airstrikes took place late on Monday, targeting military positions in the Deir Ezzor province. Deir Ezzor, located in the eastern part of Syria and bordering Iraq, holds immense strategic significance due to its oil fields and has remained a focal point throughout the 13-year-long Syrian conflict. This region is predominantly controlled by Iran-backed militia groups and Syrian forces and has frequently been the target of Israeli airstrikes in previous instances.
Both the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based opposition war monitor, and the activist collective Deir Ezzor 24 reported that the airstrikes were concentrated in the Boukamal region, situated along the Iraqi border. This area has served as a stronghold for Iran-backed militia groups. However, neither source could definitively identify the origin of the airstrike.
Israel has conducted numerous strikes on targets within government-controlled regions of war-torn Syria in recent years, including attacks on the capital city Damascus' airports. Nevertheless, Israeli authorities rarely acknowledge or publicly discuss these operations. Typically, these strikes are directed at Syrian military forces or Iran-backed groups operating in the region.
The reported airstrikes have the potential to escalate tensions in an already volatile region, with international observers closely monitoring the situation for further developments. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how regional and international actors will respond to these recent events.