Israeli Airstrikes Across Syria Kill Nine in Daraa, Tensions Rise in the Region

• May 5, 2025

On April 3, 2025, Israeli forces carried out a series of airstrikes targeting multiple locations across Syria, including military sites in Hama, an airbase near Damascus, and a defense research center. According to reports, at least nine people lost their lives in the town of Nawa, located in Syria’s southwestern Daraa province.

Syrian state media claimed that the casualties included civilians, while the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that those killed were armed individuals. The strikes are believed to be part of Israel’s ongoing military operations against groups it considers a threat to its national security.

The Israeli military stated that the attacks were a direct response to recent security threats and served as a warning to Syria’s newly appointed leadership under President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that any actions threatening Israel’s security would be met with strong retaliation.

The situation further escalated when Israel accused Turkey of attempting to gain influence in Syrian territories, claiming that Ankara’s actions could destabilize the region. Turkey, however, denied these accusations and criticized Israel’s military operations, calling them a violation of international norms.

With tensions in the Middle East continuing to rise, Syria’s interim government faces increasing internal challenges, including strained relations with minority groups and ongoing negotiations with Kurdish-led forces. The international community is closely monitoring developments as the risk of further escalation remains high.