Explosions hit the Syrian capital
Explosions have been reported in Damascus, the capital of Syria, according to local sources. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights noted the presence of “plumes of smoke” across various locations in the city.
Unverified videos depicted significant smoke clouds and damaged buildings. The incident occurred amidst increased tensions in the Middle East following the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Casualties were reported from the explosion, which is believed to have occurred in the Mazzeh neighborhood situated in southwest Damascus. Mazzeh is home to a military airport, the UN headquarters in Damascus, as well as embassies and restaurants.
A resident described witnessing “explosions” in the western Mazzeh area, accompanied by a substantial smoke cloud, with sounds resembling a missile explosion. Ambulance sirens were heard shortly afterward, according to the resident’s account.
The Middle East has been on heightened alert since 7 October, when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,300 people, mainly civilians, and taking 240 hostages back to Gaza. More than 132 hostages are thought to be still held in the territory.
More than 24,900 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched its military response, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Israel says its ground and air operation in Gaza is aimed at destroying Hamas.
The conflict has raised concerns about a wider war spreading around the region, particularly between fierce rivals Israel and Iran.
Tehran has a host of supportive groups operating in the Middle East, including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen. It also supports groups in Iraq and Syria.
Last month a suspected Israeli air strike just outside Damascus killed a senior commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.