Israel Strikes Areas Near Syrian City of Homs, causing Material Damage but No Casualties
BEIRUT — Israel launched airstrikes on areas near the central Syrian city of Homs early Sunday, causing material damage but no casualties, according to a statement by the Syrian military. The attack took place at approximately 12:40 AM ET on July 2, 2023.
The Israeli military reported that a Syrian anti-aircraft missile exploded over Israeli territory, resulting in a retaliatory strike. Syrian state media quoted an unnamed military official stating that the country’s air defenses successfully shot down some of the missiles fired by Israeli warplanes flying over Lebanon.
Israeli authorities did not comment on the Homs airstrike, but the Israeli military confirmed that one of the Syrian air defense missiles exploded over Israeli territory without causing any damage. The remains of the rocket were reported to have landed in the southern Israeli city of Rahat, according to Israeli police.
In response to the rocket attack, Israeli jets targeted the air defense battery responsible for launching the anti-aircraft rocket. The Israeli military also conducted strikes on other targets, though no specific details were provided.
Israel, which has expressed its commitment to preventing Iranian entrenchment in the region, has conducted numerous strikes on government-controlled areas of Syria in recent years. However, Israel rarely acknowledges these operations.
The most recent suspected Israeli airstrike on Syria occurred on June 14 near the capital city of Damascus, resulting in one soldier being wounded.
Over the past few years, Israel has targeted international airports in Damascus and the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on multiple occasions, often rendering them temporarily out of commission.
The situation between Israel and Syria remains tense, with ongoing military confrontations and airstrikes in the region.