Middle East crisis: Iran accuses Israel of ‘criminal’ attack after 18 reportedly killed in Syria
GuardianSep 16
At Least 18 Killed in Israeli Airstrikes in Central Syria
Above: A road barrier is seen on the a road near the border with Lebanon amid the on going tension between Israel and Hezbollah on February 18, 2024 in Rosh Hanikrai, Israel. Image copyright: Amir Levy/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Between 18 and 25 people have been killed, and dozens more wounded, after Israeli air strikes hit several military sites in central Syria on Sunday night, according to the Syrian Health Minister.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights described the 14-missile attack as "one of the most violent Israeli attacks" in Syria in recent years, claiming it killed "five civilians" and four soldiers," as well as "intelligence personnel and 13 Syrians working with pro-Iran groups."
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
The targets of these airstrikes were inhabited by well known pro-Iran groups, with both pro- and anti-Iran media and organizations acknowledging this fact. They were also weapons manufacturing sites, including for chemical weapons, which would have been used by Iran if Israel didn't take action.
Anti-Israel narrative
This is a continuation of Israel's indiscriminate killing across an entire region. Not only did this attack violate international law, but it's likely to spark a wider war that puts the whole of the Middle East at risk. Until Western governments stop supporting Israeli aggression, tensions will only escalate.