An Israeli airstrike on Damascus has resulted in the destruction of a building used by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, killing at least four Iranian personnel. Syrian and Iranian state media reported the casualties, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region.
The Syrian army confirmed the total destruction of the building in the Mazzeh neighborhood of western Damascus, stating that Israeli missiles were fired from over the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The Israeli military has not issued a comment on the strike.
Iranian media outlet Nour News, believed to be closely associated with Iran’s intelligence, reported the deaths of Gen. Sadegh Omidzadeh, the intelligence deputy of the Guards’ Quds Force in Syria, and his deputy, known by the nom de guerre Hajj Gholam. However, the Guards later named the deceased as Hojjatollah Omidvar, Ali Aghazadeh, Hossein Mohammadi, and Saeed Karimi, without specifying their ranks. The discrepancy in reported names remains unresolved.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, indicated that at least six individuals, including five Iranians and a Syrian, were killed in the attack. The Observatory’s head, Rami Abdel Rahman, stated that three of the Iranians were commanders, with four more individuals still missing under the rubble.
Following the strike, security forces cordoned off the area around the destroyed building as search and rescue operations commenced. The impact of the attack was felt in the vicinity, with nearby buildings suffering window damage.
Witnesses described the harrowing moments of the attack, recounting consecutive explosions and the immediate aftermath, including the sight of casualties.
This latest strike comes amidst escalating regional tensions, particularly with Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza. The Israeli campaign, triggered by Hamas’s cross-border attack into Israel on October 7, has resulted in nearly 25,000 Palestinian deaths and massive displacement. Israel’s actions have significantly increased regional instability, raising concerns about further escalations and conflicts.
The strike also underscores Israel’s continued targeting of Iranian and allied forces in Syria, a strategy that has been a persistent feature of the regional conflict dynamic.
