Israel Targets Hezbollah Commander in Damascus Airstrikes

Damascus, October 9: Israeli forces launched a series of airstrikes targeting a Hezbollah commander involved in arms smuggling in Syria’s capital, Damascus, on Tuesday. The airstrikes were carried out on a residential building near the Iranian embassy, according to two Israeli officials. 

The New York Times reported that Syria’s state news agency, SANA, cited a military source stating that the rockets killed seven civilians, including women and children. It remains unclear whether the targeted Hezbollah commander was killed in the attack. The Iranian embassy confirmed that no Iranian citizens were killed or injured in the strikes.

As tensions escalate, Israel has reportedly deployed additional troops to southern Lebanon, hinting at a possible intensification of ground operations, according to The New York Times. The ongoing Israeli military campaign has left much of Gaza in ruins, making it difficult to identify specific neighborhoods.

There are increasing calls within Israel, and from some U.S. circles, to target Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Several Israeli officials believe this is a viable option.

SANA reported that the Israeli airstrike targeted a residential building in the Mezzeh district of Damascus on Tuesday evening, around 8:15 p.m., with three missiles launched from the direction of the Syrian Golan Heights. Seven civilians were killed in the attack.