Early Thursday morning, Israeli airstrikes hit facilities associated with Iraq’s Al-Nujaba armed movement in Syria, according to reports from a war monitor and the pro-Iran group. The Syrian government confirmed an attack on an unidentified building.
Israel’s involvement in Syria dates back to the civil war’s onset in 2011, targeting military positions and Iran-aligned fighters. However, airstrikes intensified after clashes with Hamas began in October, following an assault by the Palestinian group on Israel.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the Israeli Airstrikes targeted a cultural center and a training facility of Al-Nujaba in the Sayyida Zeinab area, south of Damascus. Three members were wounded, although Al-Nujaba does not maintain a declared military base in Syria.
Syria’s defense ministry stated that the attack caused material damage and that some missiles were intercepted by air defense systems. Sayyida Zeinab is home to a significant Shiite Muslim shrine, guarded by pro-Iran groups and the Syrian army.
Al-Nujaba is part of a pro-Iran coalition in Iraq, accused by Washington of attacks on US forces. Israel, while not commenting directly on specific strikes, has consistently opposed Iran’s presence in Syria.
Recent tensions escalated with an April 1 attack on Tehran’s consulate in Damascus, attributed to Israel and resulting in Iranian casualties. In response, Iran conducted a missile and drone strike against Israel in mid-April, heightening regional tensions.