Syrian state media on Saturday accused Israel of mounting a rare daytime airstrike in the country's northwest.
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According to state news agency SANA, Syrian air defenses were triggered by the fact that "the Israeli enemy launched an aerial assault from the direction of northern Lebanon targeting a number of positions in the central region."
The report noted that the targets were most likely Iranian assets near the Hama province. Arab media reports said the alleged strike targeted sites housing pro-Iranian militias in Syria as well as "scientific research sites" in Masyaf.
Syria: video showing the different areas bombed tonight by Israel all around Masyaf (W. Hama). Biggest hit is the weapons production facility. pic.twitter.com/8lbArlzCD4
— QalaatM (@QalaatM) April 9, 2022
Photos and video posted on social media showed large plumes of smoke rising from hillsides in the area.
The area around Masyaf is known as a base for Iranian forces. It has been repeatedly targeted in recent years in strikes the foriegn media has attributed to Israel.
The last time Israel reportedly targeted the area was in June 2021 when, according to The Washington Post, the Israeli Air Force struck chemical weapons facilities in Masyaf, which is home to the Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Center, and in other locations.
If the IAF did, in fact, mount the strike, it marks the first operation directed by newly inducted Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar.
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