Israeli airstrikes kill nine civilians in southern Syria, reports say

Israeli airstrikes in southern Syria reportedly killed nine civilians and left many others injured, Syrian state media reported Thursday.

The attacks targeted several strategic locations across the country, including military infrastructure and civilian areas.

According to Syria’s official news agency SANA, the Israeli military struck areas surrounding the al-Jabiliyah Dam in western Daraa, resulting in civilian casualties.

Multiple Israeli strikes across Syria

In addition to Daraa, Israeli forces conducted airstrikes in the provinces of Hama, Homs, and the capital Damascus. Syrian authorities stated that:

• Over 14 airstrikes targeted Hama Military Airport and surrounding areas.
• Strikes hit T4 Military Airbase in Homs province.
• Additional air raids targeted military facilities in Damascus.
• Ground attacks with mortars and artillery were launched into western Daraa, hitting Tel Jumu and Tel Jabiyah.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks “in the strongest terms” and called on the United Nations to take urgent action to prevent further violations by Israel.

Syria condemns destruction of Hama Military Airport

A statement from Syria’s Foreign Ministry said the Israeli strikes caused widespread destruction at the Hama military airport, severely damaging infrastructure and injuring dozens of both civilian and military personnel.

The airbase, located west of the city, was described by a Syrian military source as one of the country’s key military facilities, used extensively throughout the conflict that preceded the December 8 ousting of President Bashar al-Assad.

Syrian officials said Israeli warplanes also bombed a scientific research center in the Barzeh district of Damascus, which had previously been hit over allegations of weapons development.

Israeli Defense Minister issues warning to Syrian leadership

In a statement released Thursday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned the new Syrian leadership, saying, “I warn Syrian leader Jolani: If you allow hostile forces to enter Syria and threaten Israeli security interests, you will pay a heavy price.”

Katz confirmed that Israeli troops responded to militant fire during a raid in the Tasil region of southern Syria, which he said resulted in the deaths of several armed fighters.

“The Air Force’s activity yesterday near the airports in T4, Hama, and the Damascus area sends a clear message and serves as a warning for the future,” Katz said.

Golan Heights buffer zone escalation

Tensions have escalated since Israeli forces entered the UN-patrolled buffer zone between Israeli-occupied and Syrian-controlled areas of the Golan Heights in December 2024. According to Syrian officials, Israeli troops advanced within 20 kilometers of Damascus.

The 1974 Disengagement Agreement had previously outlined the boundaries for the buffer and demilitarized zones in the Golan Heights. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later stated that the occupation of southern Syria would be permanent and demanded the region be demilitarized, in violation of Syria’s sovereignty, Syrian officials said.