The Assad regime announced Tuesday evening that one person was killed and three others injured in Israeli airstrikes targeting the industrial city of Al-Qusayr, situated in the Homs countryside near the Syrian-Lebanese border. The strikes marked the second such attack on the city within days, intensifying regional tensions.
Local sources reported powerful explosions resonating through Al-Qusayr, suggesting that the sites hit were likely linked to the Lebanese Hezbollah and Iranian-affiliated militias. The state-run, pro-Assad, Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) confirmed that the Israeli bombardment struck the industrial area, with the head of the Qusayr City Council, Ramez Saadia, acknowledging material damage but denying injuries according to the Health Directorate in Homs.
This week’s strikes come on the heels of previous Israeli bombings that have targeted strategic positions in Damascus and Al-Qusayr and its surroundings. Just last Thursday, Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed five individuals and targeted several key locations, including the industrial zone, Al-Daf Bridge, and Al-Hal Market, creating a thick cloud of smoke over the city.
The Israeli military announced that Tuesday’s airstrikes specifically targeted weapons warehouses used by Hezbollah’s Radwan Force, a combat unit known for its operations within Syria. Avichay Adraee, the Israeli army spokesman for Arab media, confirmed via the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that the bombings were part of an ongoing campaign to “thwart arms transfers” from Iran to Hezbollah through Syria.
Israel has repeatedly stated that it views the presence of Iranian forces and Hezbollah’s expanding influence in Syria as a direct threat to its security. The Israeli Defense Minister, Yoav Galant, underscored Israel’s resolve, saying, “We need to stop the transfer of weapons, especially heavy weapons, from Iran through Syria and Iraq to Lebanon.”
Galant’s stance aligns with comments made by Israeli PM Netanyahu, who stressed the importance of “halting Hezbollah’s rearmament” and pushing the group beyond the Litani River. “With or without an agreement, the safe return of our residents to their homes in the north requires removing Hezbollah from the Litani River,” Netanyahu said.
The bombings have further strained the already volatile situation in the region. Regime-aligned television outlets reported that residential areas near the industrial zone were also affected, raising concerns over civilian safety and property damage. The Lebanese National News Agency confirmed that the echoes of the blasts were heard in Hermel and nearby villages.
Hezbollah, a key ally of the Assad regime, has yet to release an official statement on the attacks. However, these latest airstrikes add to the pattern of recent Israeli operations aimed at disrupting weapons transfers at both legal and clandestine border crossings between Syria and Lebanon, including the notable Jousieh and Jdeidet Yabous crossings.
In addition to these recent strikes, Israeli military activities have intensified along the border. This week Israel revealed ground incursions and kidnapping operations conducting cross-border raids and the Israeli army has been engaged in a range of other operations, including digging a 7-kilometer trench along the occupied Golan Heights border to “bolster defenses.” According to UN officials, construction activities near the demilitarized separation area have been observed, reflecting Israel’s growing focus on border security. The situation remains precarious as Israel continues its campaign to weaken Hezbollah’s military infrastructure and curb Iran’s influence in the region.
