Islamist fighters hit in central Syria strikes

The death toll from Israeli airstrikes targeting pro-Iranian groups in the central Syrian city of Palmyra on Wednesday has risen to 68, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported on Thursday.

According to SOHR, the victims included 42 Syrian pro-Iranian fighters and 26 foreigners, primarily Iraqi members of the al-Nujaba group. Among the foreign casualties were also four Hezbollah fighters. The previous toll from the NGO had reported 61 fatalities.

The strikes reportedly targeted sites used by pro-Iranian militias in and around Palmyra, a key location for these groups in central Syria. Israeli forces have frequently conducted airstrikes in Syria, aiming to counter the influence of Iran-backed militias and prevent the transfer of advanced weaponry to Hezbollah.

These airstrikes come amidst heightened tensions in the region, with Israel intensifying its operations against pro-Iranian forces in Syria. Israel has repeatedly stated that it will not allow Iran to entrench itself militarily in Syria, viewing such a presence as a direct threat to its national security.

There has been no immediate reaction from the Syrian government or pro-Iranian factions regarding the strikes. The Israeli military, in line with its policy, has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the attack.

This incident highlights the ongoing instability in Syria and the broader regional rivalry between Israel and Iran-backed forces.