Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Confirms Two Members Killed in Israeli Airstrike in Syria
Tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated once again as Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard confirmed that two of its forces stationed in Syria were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Saturday. The report, published on the Guard’s news portal, identified the two members as Mohammad Ali Ataei Shourcheh and Panah Taghizadeh, who were carrying out an advisory mission in Syria.
Israeli airstrikes hit several areas on the outskirts of the capital Damascus, according to Syrian state media quoting an unnamed military official. The strikes resulted in only “material losses,” the report added. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based opposition war monitor, reported that the strikes targeted the southern Damascus suburb of Sayyida Zeinab, where there are military forces working with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. The strike reportedly killed two Syrian citizens and two foreigners, while five others were wounded.
This latest development is expected to further strain the already tense relationship between Israel and Iran. Iran has been a staunch supporter of the militant Palestinian group Hamas and has warned that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas could spread to other parts of the region.
Israel has long been concerned about Iran’s military presence in Syria and has vowed to prevent Iranian entrenchment along its northern border. While Syria has accused Israel of carrying out hundreds of strikes on government-controlled targets in recent years, Israel has rarely acknowledged such actions.
Iran has played a significant role in supporting Syrian President Bashar Assad during the country’s 12-year civil war. Thousands of Iran-backed fighters have been deployed in Syria, helping to tip the balance of power in Assad’s favor over the years. Despite Tehran’s claims of having only a military advisory role in Syria, scores of Iranian Revolutionary Guard members have been killed during the war.
Since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Israel has conducted several strikes targeting Syria, resulting in the closure of the international airports in Damascus and the northern city of Aleppo for over a month.
The ongoing clashes between Israel and Iran in Syria highlight the complex and volatile nature of the region’s geopolitical landscape. Both countries have competing interests and are engaged in a proxy war through their respective allies. Israel sees Iran’s presence in Syria as a direct threat to its national security and has repeatedly taken action to prevent the establishment of Iranian military bases in the country.
The situation in Syria remains highly volatile, with multiple actors involved in the conflict. The Israeli airstrikes further complicate efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the Syrian civil war and increase the risk of further escalation between Israel and Iran.
As tensions continue to rise, it is crucial for regional and international actors to engage in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation and prevent further loss of life. The conflict in Syria has already resulted in immense human suffering, and any further escalation could have devastating consequences for the entire region.
In conclusion, the recent Israeli airstrike in Syria that claimed the lives of two Iranian Revolutionary Guard members underscores the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran. The conflict highlights the complex dynamics of the region and the need for diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation. The situation in Syria remains highly volatile, and it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize dialogue and peaceful resolution to avoid further loss of life and instability in the region.