Israeli Air Strikes Strike Again: Damascus Airport Remains Inoperable as Tensions Escalate

 In a recent attack, Israeli air strikes have once again rendered the Damascus airport inoperable, just hours after flights had resumed following a similar attack last month. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Israeli warplanes targeted the runways, causing an explosion. This attack comes as part of Israel's ongoing efforts to counter Hezbollah and other Iran-backed forces, as well as Syrian army positions.

Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes on Syria since the civil war began in 2011. However, the intensity of these attacks has increased since the war between Israel and Hezbollah ally Hamas began on October 7. The strikes on Damascus airport and Aleppo airport on October 12 and 22 respectively have temporarily shut down both facilities. Two ticketing offices in the capital had confirmed to AFP that flights had resumed from Damascus on Sunday, and local media also reported the resumption. However, authorities have not yet made an official announcement.

Flights were re-routed to Latakia on the west coast after the October 22 strikes. Israel rarely comments on individual strikes targeting Syria, but it has consistently stated that it will not allow Iran to expand its presence in the region. As Iran continues to support President Bashar al-Assad's government, Israel sees this as a direct threat to its security. The airport in Damascus has repeatedly been a target for Israeli airstrikes, highlighting the ongoing tension between the two countries. While the resumption of flights brings some temporary relief for the people of Syria, it remains uncertain how long it will be until the airport can fully operate without the threat of further attacks.