DAMASCUS – Israeli warplanes launched two airstrikes Wednesday afternoon on the town of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, southwest of Damascus, amid rising sectarian tensions and ongoing clashes in the area, Syrian state media reported.
According to Syrian state-run Al-Ekhbariya TV, the strikes caused injuries among civilians, including members of the Druze community, who have been at the center of recent unrest near the capital. The report did not specify the number or severity of casualties.
Explosions were heard across Damascus shortly after Israeli jets were reported flying at low altitude over the city.
The reported strikes came shortly after Israel issued a warning that it would target positions in Syria if necessary to protect Druze communities, following days of deadly violence involving local Druze fighters and pro-government forces in southern Damascus suburbs.
Ashrafiyat Sahnaya has been the site of intense clashes since Tuesday night.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 39 people have been killed in Jaramana, Sahnaya, and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya over the past 72 hours, including Druze locals, security forces, and pro-government militia members.
Syrian authorities have not officially commented on the Israeli strikes beyond confirming the attacks and injuries.
XINHUA
