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    • Aug 8, 2023
    • 3 min read

IMMINENT WARNING: SUSPECTED ISRAELI AIRSTRIKES AROUND DAMASCUS KILL AT LEAST 4 SYRIAN SOLDIERS AND WOUND OTHERS

August 7, 2023

Sophia Ritscher, Kyle Dillon

Cameron Munoz, Senior Editor


Damascus[1]


Event: On August 7, 2023, a suspected Israeli airstrike destroyed warehouses and military posts of Iranian-backed militias around Damascus, Syria. Syrian state media released statements that this attack killed at least four Syrian soldiers while seven were injured.[2] Israeli outlets did not immediately respond to this attack, but if confirmed, this is the 22nd time Israel has targeted Syria this year. Israel rarely acknowledges these attacks but has stepped up their aggressive stance in Syria because of the buildup of Iranian assets close to its border.[3] Iranian proxies and allied militias, including Hezbollah, are present in large parts of Syria, including several neighborhoods in Damascus. Israel recently increased their targeting of Syrian airports to disrupt Iranian aerial supply lines to transport arms.[4]


Significance: Israel will almost certainly continue conducting airstrikes in Syria to prevent further Iranian entrenchment by disrupting Iranian-backed activities in Syria. Iran will very likely respond to Israel’s increased activities, exacerbating regional tensions and destabilizing the area. Syria is unlikely to retaliate against suspected-Israeli attacks immediately and on its own, unless critical infrastructure were to be targeted, given the resources needed for Syria’s ongoing civil war and attempts at reconstruction. Human security in Syria will almost certainly be negatively impacted by these escalating tensions, resulting in increased displacement of populations, civilian casualties, and critical infrastructure damage. Israel will very likely continue to target Syrian airports to limit the success of Iranian supply lines, but there is a roughly even chance this will place domestic pressure on the Assad government to respond to Israeli attacks. The presence of other state and non-state actors in Syria will almost certainly complicate the conflict, adversely impact Syria’s reconstruction, and diminish the quality of life. Israel and Iran will almost certainly continue exploiting Syria’s instability and use the situation to pursue their regional objectives. The US government, which has largely pivoted away from conflicts in the Middle East, will almost certainly continue monitoring this situation and possibly develop strategies to assist Israel. Regional organizations such as the Arab League will almost certainly monitor recent developments and develop contingency plans should the Israeli-Iranian tensions develop into a large-scale conflict. The Arab League will almost certainly prioritize stabilization in Syria and an end to any regional tension especially as Syria was recently readmitted into the league.


Recommendations

  • The Counterterrorism Group (CTG) recommends the Israeli government prioritize the protection of civilians and infrastructure during airstrikes by conducting thorough intelligence assessments to minimize collateral damage. CTG also recommends avoiding targeting densely populated areas and airports whenever possible.

  • CTG recommends that Syrian civilians stay informed of these attacks, remain on high alert for future attacks, and follow safety guidelines such as seeking shelter during air raids.

  • CTG recommends the international community actively support diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions, promoting a peaceful solution. CTG also recommends that the international community facilitate negotiations by offering mediation services and diplomatic support to regional actors.

  • CTG recommends the international community provide humanitarian assistance to affected populations, including refugees and internally displaced persons. CTG also recommends including financial aid, medical support, and logistical assistance to ensure the well-being of civilians impacted by the conflict.

  • If there is any additional and or critical information, please contact us at The Counterterrorism Group (CTG) by Telephone at 202-643-2848 or email at info@counterterrorismgroup.com.

 

[2] New Israeli attack | Nearly 15 combatants killed and wounded in airstrikes on weapons and ammunitions warehouses nearby Damascus, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, August 2023, https://www.syriahr.com/en/306733/

[3] At least 4 Syrian soldiers killed in suspected Israeli airstrikes around Damascus, AP News, August 2023, https://apnews.com/article/syria-israel-airstrikes-damascus-soldiers-killed-3c60d88d8e04e85e8b3211cc3099847f

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