Israeli strike kills five in central Syria, reports state media

A Syrian security source reports that Israeli 'aggression,' launched from Lebanese airspace, targeted military installations.

In Damascus on May 20, the Syrian flag is flown at half-mast as the country observes three days of national mourning for the death of Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi [AFP: Louai Beshara/AFP].

Israeli missiles have killed at least five people and injured 19 others in central Syria, according to state media reports citing local sources. The attack on Sunday, which targeted military installations near the city of Masyaf west of Hama, also ignited a fire and caused significant material damage, as reported by SANA, Syria’s official news agency.

An unnamed security official told SANA that Israel launched an “aerial aggression” from Lebanese airspace against several Syrian military sites. The source added that Syrian air defenses intercepted and shot down some of the missiles.

Israeli jets often conduct attacks from Lebanese airspace to avoid Syrian airspace, where regional and international forces, including those from Russia and the United States, are active.

The director of the public hospital in Masyaf confirmed that the casualties were civilians, according to SANA. Throughout Syria’s 13-year civil war, Israel has frequently carried out air raids in the country, primarily targeting sites linked to Iran.

The Israeli military has not confirmed or commented on its operations in Syria.

Sunday’s attack occurs amid escalating regional tensions, with Iranian officials still vowing to retaliate for the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July. Iran, which has a military presence in Syria, had promised "harsh punishment" for Israel over the killing. However, more than 40 days after the assassination, no Iranian attack has yet occurred.