The Israel-Hamas war has sparked heightened tensions in Syria, where the country has become a battleground for air raids and attacks from multiple nations. On Saturday, Israel carried out its second high-profile targeted assassination within a month, eliminating the Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ spy chief for Syria and three additional Guards members.
Syria, already grappling with instability from years of civil war, has experienced attacks on U.S. troops, Israeli strikes on its airports and Iranian figures, Iranian responses against suspected jihadists, and additional assaults from Jordan and Turkey.
Here are some questions and answers shedding light on the recent surge in attacks on Syria:
Why is Iran involved in the conflict?
Since the initiation of the Israel-Hamas war, sporadic fire from Syrian territory has targeted the Israel-annexed Golan Heights. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights attributes these attacks to Syrian fighters collaborating with Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based militant group. Israel has intensified air raids on pro-Iranian militias in Syria, targeting key airports. Most strikes are seen as attempts to disrupt Iranian arms shipments to Hezbollah and other Iran-aligned groups within Syria.
Who is targeting U.S. forces?
The United States, a key ally of Israel, maintains bases in Syria and Iraq. Iran-linked groups, opposing U.S. support for Israel in the Gaza conflict, have claimed almost daily attacks on these sites. Between October 17 and January 17, at least 140 attacks on U.S. and coalition forces were recorded in both countries. While the majority have been claimed by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, seeking to control the level of violence and avoid a broader conflict remains a priority for both the United States and Iran.
Why is Iran launching strikes?
Iran launched strikes on Syria and Iraq on January 16 in retaliation for a deadly suicide attack in Iran earlier in the month. Targets in Syria were reportedly linked to the Islamic State (IS). Experts suggest Iran aimed to demonstrate its military capabilities but avoided targeting U.S. interests to prevent escalation.
Who else is involved?
Turkey conducted air strikes against Kurds in northeast Syria and Iraq, responding to clashes with suspected Kurdish militants. Additionally, Jordan is believed to have carried out strikes in Syria this week, resulting in civilian casualties.
The situation in Syria remains complex, with various actors contributing to an intricate geopolitical landscape.