Syria: Unconfirmed Israeli airstrikes on base in Al-Kiswah May 8

Event

There are unconfirmed reports of Israeli airstrikes hitting a Syrian military base in the Al-Kiswah area (south of Damascus) on the evening of Tuesday, May 8 (local time). The suspected airstrikes follow other unconfirmed reports that Israeli forces were mobilizing to counter "abnormal" Iranian troop movements in Syria. Further details on the situation are still emerging.

Context

Syria remains enmeshed in a complex civil war that started between the Assad government and opposition forces in March 2011. Today, the conflict in Syria involves many parties, including the Syrian government, the Russian government, the Iranian government, the Turkish government, a US-led coalition, and numerous armed groups on the ground (including the Islamic State) with competing goals.

Advice

Due to extremely poor security conditions, Western governments generally advise against all travel to Syria, with some banning travel to the country. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to any travel to Syria.