Israeli strikes in Syria have resulted in at least one death and several injuries, while strikes in Lebanon claimed the lives of three soldiers. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has voiced concerns over Israeli attacks on Lebanese forces, as both the U.N. and international observers warn of escalating humanitarian crises due to ongoing regional conflicts.
The Syrian Defense Ministry has reported that Israeli airstrikes resulted in the death of one Syrian soldier and injuries to seven others in Damascus and Homs in the early hours of Thursday. In a related development, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed his concerns to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant regarding Israeli strikes on the Lebanese army, emphasizing the need to ensure the protection of Lebanese military personnel. In southern Lebanon, three Lebanese soldiers, including an officer, were killed during an Israeli strike occurring as they were evacuating injured individuals from the village of Yater. This incident adds to the ongoing conflict between Israel and various armed groups across the region, notably Hezbollah. Israeli strikes reportedly targeted the Syrian capital, Damascus, with explosions reported over the city, particularly in the Kafr Sousa neighborhood, though immediate casualty reports were unclear. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights indicated that there had been human losses, while Israel generally refrains from making specific comments on its operations in Syria. Israel has a longstanding campaign against Iranian-linked entities in Syria, which has intensified since the October 7 attack by Hamas. The Israeli military also accused six Al Jazeera journalists of having ties to Palestinian militant organizations, a claim that Al Jazeera has vehemently denied, characterizing the accusations as fabricated. Furthermore, concerns have been raised by U.N. envoy Geir Pedersen regarding the potential for regional conflicts escalating into a humanitarian crisis in Syria. He urged caution regarding the significant increase in Israeli airstrikes over the past month, particularly in populated areas, stressing the threats that spillover from the current unrest could pose. The situation in Gaza and southern Lebanon remains extraordinarily volatile, with at least 42,792 Palestinians reported killed since the outbreak of conflict in October 2023, highlighting the urgent need for international attention and intervention to address the ongoing violence.
The article pertains to the escalating violence and military actions in the Middle East, particularly surrounding Israel’s airstrikes in Syria and Lebanon amid the ongoing conflict with Palestinian militant groups and Hezbollah. This escalation follows the major attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which has significantly affected the dynamics of regional military engagements. The involvement of the U.S. and the United Nations illustrates the international stakes involved in this conflict, which extends beyond direct hostilities to include broader geopolitical terrors.
In summary, Israeli airstrikes have led to casualties among Syrian and Lebanese military forces, raising concerns from the U.S. regarding the security of the Lebanese army. The increase in aerial attacks signifies a shift in the tactical responses from Israel following heightened conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah. The international community remains wary of the potential humanitarian repercussions and ongoing regional instability, necessitating urgent global consideration and dialogue.
Original Source: www.france24.com
