Syrian media reports IAF strikes, refutes reports shortly after; Explosions heard near Damascus International Airport
******************************
Syrian media reported an Israeli airstrike outside of the Damascus International Airport on Sunday night.
According to the reports, which were later denied and taken down from the internet, strikes were carried out and activated Syria’s air defense systems. Explosions were reported close to the Damascus airport also. Syria’s SANA claimed that its “air defenses intercepted enemy aerial targets in the vicinity of Damascus international airport in southern Damascus…”
As with majority of Israeli covert operations in Syria, the IDF and Ministry of Security did not comment on reports.
Israel has carried out several strikes near the Damascus Airport in the past, targeting Iranian weapons shipments to Hezbollah.
Two weeks ago, the Israel Air Force carried out airstrikes on Iranian targets in Syria. The strikes were carried out on the al-Kiswah south of Damascus and reportedly hit Iranian militia positions, a weapons storage warehouse and a base. The IDF has carried out strikes on Iranian targets in the region in the past. Syrian media reported strikes on several locations, the Syrian army claiming it hit an Israeli jet and downed several missiles with its air defense systems. SANA reported that Syrian army downed “several hostile targets”.