Damascus, July 17, 2025 — Damascus was rocked early Wednesday morning by loud explosions as Israel launched airstrikes targeting military sites linked to Iranian and Hezbollah forces and Hezbollah operatives, according to Syrian state media and independent observers.
Residents in Syria’s capital reported hearing at least five loud blasts around 2:30 am local time, which was then followed by plumes of smoke rising from both its southern and western outskirts. Although Syria activated their air defense systems as a response, social media footage shows what appear to be successful Israeli missile strikes on several facilities within their city limits.
The Syrian Ministry of Defense confirmed Israeli jet attacks, alleging they came from Golan Heights and Lebanon airspace, where multiple missiles were intercepted but material damage occurred at multiple military positions; casualties or any damage sustained are unknown.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the conflict through an extensive network of sources, reported that six members of Iran-backed militias, including foreign fighters, had been killed by airstrikes. Furthermore, several weapons depots and command centers allegedly came under attack and were destroyed as a result of these strikes.
As is typical for its regional operations, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not issue an official statement about this particular strike; however, Israeli officials have repeatedly stressed their resolve in preventing Iran and Hezbollah from establishing permanent military presences in Syria.
“We will not allow Syria to become a base for Iranian entrenchment,” stated Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant during a recent Knesset session. When threats to Israeli security arise, Israel will act decisively and without delay to address them.
Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes against Syria over the last decade, targeting what it identifies as Iranian arms shipments and military infrastructure. But its latest attack stands out due to heightened regional tensions following Houthi attacks on maritime shipping in Red Sea and Israel’s retaliatory strikes against Lebanon and Gaza.
Analysts warn of regional ramifications from Syria’s ongoing escalation, especially as Iran expands its involvement through Hezbollah and Shiite militias operating on Syrian soil.
“Every Israeli strike brings the region one step closer to full-scale conflict,” noted Rami Khouri, an expert from American University of Beirut in Middle Eastern studies. The Syrian theater remains a volatile flashpoint where global and regional powers meet.”
Syria, already crippled by years of civil war and economic collapse, has condemned Israeli strikes as violations of international law and national sovereignty. Damascus has appealed to the UN Security Council to intervene and hold Israel responsible; but previous appeals have gone without result.
Fear and Fragility
Damascus civilians were shaken by the strikes’ brutal reminder of the ongoing conflict’s toll, spending many nights cowering in basements or moving to safer areas to evade attacks.
Nour, a resident of Mezzeh district, reported feeling as though their world had collapsed around them. “Now there is nowhere safe left.”
As Damascus recovers, the world waits closely to determine whether the latest attack marks an isolated flare-up or the start of a new phase in Syria’s protracted conflict.