Airstrikes in northern Syria near Aleppo on Friday resulted in the deaths of Syrian soldiers, Hezbollah fighters, and a Syrian from pro-Iranian militias. The attack hit multiple targets, including a weapons depot belonging to Hezbollah. The fear of escalation into a broader conflict involving Israel, Syria, Iran, and their proxies has been a concern for Western officials for months. Despite efforts by American officials to calm tensions and Iran to control its network of militias, the risk of broader conflict persists as Israel and Hezbollah have clashed along the border.
Israel’s military did not immediately comment on the airstrikes, but Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant suggested Israeli responsibility for the attacks, promising further operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, Syria, and beyond. Iran supports and arms proxy militias that have been fighting against Israel, and tensions have escalated since October when Hamas led a raid into Israel, prompting a response from Israeli forces. Israel has carried out numerous strikes on Hezbollah targets in Syria and Lebanon, resulting in hundreds of reported deaths.
Syria’s state-run news agency reported Israeli airstrikes near Aleppo but did not specify a death toll. Separately, an Israeli drone strike targeted a car in southern Lebanon, killing Hezbollah’s deputy commander of the rocket and missile unit. The Israeli military confirmed the strike, and Gallant praised it as a successful assassination. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has displaced thousands of Lebanese and Israelis, resulting in civilian casualties and property destruction.
The United Nations peacekeeping mission expressed concern over the surge in violence along the Israel-Lebanon border, where the two sides have been exchanging fire for months. International pressure on Israel has increased over the Gaza war, with the U.N. Security Council calling for an immediate cease-fire and a U.N. court ruling that Israel must ensure the delivery of assistance to Gaza. Israel, meanwhile, remains committed to its goal of destroying Hamas despite efforts to provide aid to civilians in Gaza.
Since the start of Syria’s civil war in 2011, Israel has conducted strikes and targeted killings in the country to disrupt the military capabilities and supply lines of Iranian-backed forces. Iran and Hezbollah have supported Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad, viewing their influence as a threat to Israel’s northern border. Israel also faces the challenge of navigating its relationship with Russia, which supports Assad. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova condemned the airstrikes as a violation of Syria’s sovereignty and international law, warning of dangerous consequences.
The recent bombardment in Syria was not the first deadly assault, with airstrikes in eastern Syria resulting in casualties earlier in the week. Russia has been critical of Israel’s actions, highlighting tensions between the two countries. The complex dynamics involving Israel, Syria, Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia continue to pose a risk of broader conflict in the region, despite efforts to mitigate tensions and prevent further escalation.
