Multiple Israeli airstrikes hit Syria’s Hama countryside late on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of at least five civilians, Syrian state media reported.

The strikes, which sparked a fire and caused significant material damage near the city of Masyaf, also left 15 people injured, several critically.

According to SANA, Syria’s official news agency, the attacks targeted several military installations. Two regional intelligence sources confirmed that a major military research center near Masyaf was struck multiple times.

An unidentified security official told SANA that the strikes were launched from Lebanese airspace, with Syrian air defenses intercepting and downing some of the missiles.

Since October 7, Israel has intensified its airstrikes on Syria, leading to numerous casualties. In a previous high-profile attack in April, Israeli warplanes bombed an Iranian diplomatic facility in Damascus. This prompted Iran to retaliate with hundreds of drones and missiles against Israel.

The ongoing Israeli strikes mark a significant escalation in the region, with tensions remaining high. (ILKHA)