Syrian air defense systems were activated above Masyaf, in northwestern Syria, amid an alleged Israeli airstrike, state news agency SANA alleged on Thursday.
The agency stated that Syrian forces were "confronting hostile targets" above the skies of Masyaf. Two civilians were reportedly injured in the strikes and material damage was caused. The strikes sparked a number of fires.
Initial reports indicated that at least one of the targets was the Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC) in the city. The site has been targeted by alleged Israeli airstrikes multiple times in the past.
According to Syrian reports, secondary explosions continued for hours after the strikes along with blazes caused by the strikes. Local residents were reportedly instructed to shelter in place until the fires were brought under control.
#سوريا | اندلاع حريق في موقع حير عبّاس على طريق مصياف وادي العيون،على إثر العدوان قبل قليل.https://t.co/r7fNiv1t0q pic.twitter.com/XFfn9O2mzf
— غرب آسيا (@westasia24) August 25, 2022
Reports of an alleged attack in the Syrian countryside come amid a flurry of strikes by US forces on sites associated with pro-Iranian militias in Syria and Iraq.
The Syrian-based militias responded on Wednesday and Thursday, targeting US Army bases across Syria. One American soldier was lightly injured in the violent exchange, the US Central Command said Wednesday.
In response, American forces killed four militia fighters and seven rocket launchers in strikes in Syria's Deir al-Zor region.
Alleged Israeli strikes in Syria
Israel has reportedly continued to strike targets in Syria throughout Operation Breaking Dawn and afterward. Three Syrian soldiers were killed and three others were injured after alleged Israeli airstrikes targeted sites near Tartus, on the coast of Syria, earlier in August.
IDF chief of staff Aviv Kohavi revealed last week the Israeli military attacked a third country during the Gaza operation.
Earlier on Thursday, Mossad director David Barnea said a new nuclear pact with Iran would not block his agency from acting against the Islamic Republic, or its proxies across the Middle East, in the future.
This is a developing story.