On Monday, the Iranian consulate in Damascus was targeted by unprecedented strikes, with eleven people reported dead in a highly tense regional context. This attack took place amidst ongoing conflicts in the region, particularly in Gaza, and marks the fifth raid in eight days targeting Syria. The building housing the Iranian consulate annex in the Mazzeh district of Damascus was completely destroyed as confirmed by eyewitnesses on the scene and the Syrian Ministry of Defense.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that eleven people died, including Iranians, Syrians, and a Lebanese individual, all of whom were fighters. The Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran confirmed the deaths of seven of its members, including two senior officers. Despite the destruction and loss of life, it is reported that the Iranian ambassador to Syria and his family were unharmed.
In response to this attack, Iran vowed to provide a decisive response and called for a serious response from international community while condemning Israel’s actions as inhumane and a violation of international law. Lebanese Hezbollah also condemned the attack while Russian diplomats urged for de-escalation. Israel has conducted numerous strikes in Syria throughout conflict particularly targeting Iranian forces and their allies. The recent escalation coincides with ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas which poses dangerous implications for region. Israel has consistently stated its opposition to Iranian presence near its borders and has taken military action to prevent it.
