A Syrian military base in the northeastern province of Hasakah came under missile attack, marking a new escalation amid rising regional tensions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel.
Syrian Military Operations Authority said the strike targeted a base near the town of Yarubiyah. In a statement carried by state media, officials said five missiles were launched from the vicinity of Tal al-Hawa, about 20 kilometers inside Iraqi territory.
The agency did not immediately provide details on casualties or the full extent of the damage. The attack is the first of its kind reported since the outbreak of the current regional confrontation involving Iran and its adversaries.
Strategic Base in Hasakah Targeted
Informed sources told The New Arab missiles struck the Kharab al-Jir base in the Rmeilan area of Hasakah province. The site previously hosted US and French coalition forces and now houses units from the Syrian army’s 60th Division alongside elements of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Reuters reported at least seven rockets may have been launched from the Iraqi town of Rabia toward the same area, suggesting some differences in initial accounts of the attack. Despite the scale of the strike, Syrian Deputy Defense Minister Sipan Hamo said the attack caused material damage but no casualties among military personnel. He condemned the incident and described it as a violation of Syrian sovereignty.
Suspected Militia Role and Security Crackdown
Syrian officials and regional observers have pointed to Iranian-backed militias operating in Iraq as likely responsible for the attack. The use of Iraqi territory as a launch point reflects a broader pattern seen in recent weeks.
This marks the second such incident since early March. On March 12, a drone launched from inside Iraq toward the Tel Beydar area was intercepted by coalition forces near a US base, with no casualties reported.
In a related development, Syrian intelligence forces conducted what sources described as a “precise” operation in Deir Ezzor province. Authorities arrested six individuals allegedly linked to the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an Iraqi militia network with ties to Iran.
According to sources cited by The New Arab, the cell operated in the town of Hatla and engaged in arms smuggling and intelligence transfers. The area had previously served as a base for militia activity prior to the fall of the Assad regime.
Coordination With Iraq and Official Response
Following the attack, Syrian authorities said they coordinated with Iraqi officials, who confirmed their forces had launched search operations to identify those responsible. The Syrian military placed its forces on full alert.
“Syria’s military will carry out its responsibilities to defend Syrian territory and confront any aggression,” the Operations Authority said in its statement. Hamo also called on Iraqi authorities to take stronger measures to prevent their territory from being used for cross-border attacks, holding them responsible for security lapses.
Rising Tensions Test Fragile Stability
The incident underscores the fragile security environment in northeastern Syria, where multiple armed actors operate and regional rivalries often intersect. The continued presence of international forces and local factions adds complexity to efforts to contain escalation.
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa recently said the country aims to avoid becoming entangled in regional conflicts, stating that Syria has “transitioned from a battleground to an influential player,” according to official remarks.
Despite such statements, the latest attack highlights ongoing challenges Damascus faces in maintaining stability. As investigations continue, the risk of further cross-border incidents remains a concern for both Syrian and Iraqi authorities.
