Israel Launches Missile Strikes on Syria After Missile Launched From Syria Explodes Over Israel

Following an anti-aircraft missile launched from Syria towards Israel, the Israeli military retaliated with missile attacks on a Syrian air defense battery located in Homs. This information was confirmed by an Israeli military spokesperson who stated that the counter-attack only resulted in material damages, with no reported casualties.

Syrian Anti-Aircraft Missile Explodes Mid-Air

The anti-aircraft missile, launched from Syrian territory, exploded in mid-air over Israel. This incident was confirmed by Avichay Adraee, a spokesperson for the Israeli military, in a statement published on Twitter. He emphasized that the explosion caused no casualties. The city of Rahat in southern Israel was affected by falling shrapnel, prompting the Israeli police and IDF engineering forces to clear the debris. An Al Jazeera report states that citizens were asked to steer clear of the scene for safety reasons.

Increase in Israeli Strikes on Syria

Israel has been stepping up its attacks on Syrian airports and air bases in recent months, with the objective of disrupting Iran’s growing use of aerial supply lines to arm its allies in Syria and Lebanon, including Hezbollah. This escalating strategy is part of Israel’s efforts to contain Iran’s expanding influence in Syria.

Escalation of the Israeli-Iranian Conflict in Syria

Israeli military experts suggest that the increased Israeli strikes represent an escalation of the longstanding low-intensity conflict with the goal of slowing Iran’s increasing involvement in Syria. This development is linked to Iran’s sustained support for President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian civil war that started in 2011.

Iran’s Growing Influence in Syria

Iran has been expanding its influence in Syria since it began supporting President Bashar al-Assad during the civil war in 2011. This support has allowed Iran’s allies, including Hezbollah, to gain substantial control in several regions in Syria. These include eastern, southern, and northwestern parts of Syria and several suburbs around the capital, as mentioned in a report by the Council on Foreign Relations.