Airstrikes on Damascus: 15 dead and tensions rising

An Israeli airstrike has killed 15 people in and around Damascus, the Syrian Defense Ministry said. The escalation in violence has hit a central area of ​​the capital that has already been hit by recent bombings.

Attack Details

Syrian news agency Sana confirmed the raid in the upscale Mazzé neighborhood, known for hosting the United Nations headquarters and several embassies. Local authorities described the attack as targeted, with images showing streets shrouded in gray smoke. According to the NGO OSDH, at least four victims were recorded in the first attack.

“An Israeli attack targeted the Mazzé area in Damascus,” Sana reports, underlining the strategic nature of the area. In recent times, the neighborhood has already suffered bombings attributed to Israel, signaling a worrying trend of attacks in this sensitive area.

Regional tensions and political reactions

The situation is further complicated by the recent statements of Ron Dermer, Israel’s Minister of Strategic Affairs, who met with Donald Trump and Jared Kushner at Mar-a-Lago. During this meeting, Dermer stressed Israel’s intention to accelerate a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon. Israeli officials have indicated that such a deal could secure a political victory for President-elect Trump, the Washington Post reported. One official said: “There is an agreement that Israel would give Trump something … that there will be a deal on Lebanon in January.” In the context of these dynamics, the Israeli military has conducted at least six waves of air strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut. These attacks appear to be aimed at facilities linked to the Hezbollah group.

“You are close to Hezbollah installations and facilities; operations are planned in the near future,” an Israeli military spokesman warned, urging residents of the affected areas to evacuate immediately.

Future prospects

With tensions rising in both Syria and Lebanon, the situation remains volatile. The international community is watching developments in the region with growing concern, fearing they could spill over into wider conflicts. Diplomacy will be crucial to prevent further escalations and promote lasting stability.