Syria: Suspected Israeli artillery fire targets Qars al-Nafl area in Quneitra Governorate late April 23

Event

Suspected Israeli artillery fire targeted a military observation position in the Qars al-Nafl area of Quneitra Governorate late April 23, causing material damage. No casualties were immediately reported in connection with the attack. Hizballah militants reportedly operate in the affected area.

Military forces in northern Israel and Syria will almost certainly maintain a heightened security posture over the coming days. Further shelling, retaliatory attacks, and exchanges of cross-border fire are possible over the short term.

Context

Tensions between Syria and Israel remain extremely high. Israel has repeatedly expressed concerns about Iranian proxies in southwestern Syria and aims to prevent a build-up of Iran-backed forces in the region. Since 2017, the IDF has launched hundreds of preemptive strikes in Syria, targeting suspected Hizballah and Iran-led fighters, weapons caches, and supply convoys, primarily in the country's southwestern governorates.

Advice

Exercise caution and avoid all military sites in Syria. Heed the instructions of local security forces. If artillery fire, airstrikes, or warning sirens are reported in the general vicinity, take cover in the nearest bomb shelter and remain there until given further instructions by authorities.