From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Syrian media reports Israeli airstrikes near Damascus
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
The Israeli Air Force is carrying out airstrikes near the Syrian capital of Damascus, according to local media.
Syria’s state-run SANA news agency says air defenses are engaging “hostile targets” over Damascus, a euphemism for Israeli incursions.
SANA and other outlets report several blasts heard in the area.
There are no immediate reports of injuries or damage in the attack.
Syrian air defenses activated in the vicinity of Damascus as Israeli airstrikes are underway. pic.twitter.com/PSuKejrcTW
— Status-6 (@Archer83Able) July 18, 2023
Israel has admitted to conducting hundreds of sorties against Iran-backed groups attempting to gain a foothold in Syria over the past decade, but does not comment on individual strikes.
