Three civilians killed in Israeli airstrike on Damascus, state media says

Syrian state television earlier said that one of its presenters was killed in an Israeli strike on Damascus.

 A Syria Civil Defence member carries a wounded child in the besieged town of Hamoria, Eastern Ghouta, in Damascus, Syria, January 6, 2018.  (photo credit: REUTERS)
A Syria Civil Defence member carries a wounded child in the besieged town of Hamoria, Eastern Ghouta, in Damascus, Syria, January 6, 2018.
(photo credit: REUTERS)

Three civilians were killed and nine others injured in an Israeli airstrike on the Syrian capital Damascus, Syrian state media said early on Tuesday citing a military source.

Syrian state television earlier said that one of its presenters was killed in an Israeli strike on Damascus. It was unclear whether the presenter was among the three civilians mentioned by state media.

The Israeli air attack also caused significant damage to private property, state media added.

Syrian air defenses intercepted "hostile targets" over the vicinity of Damascus three times in a row in one night, following explosions that were heard in the capital, state media said earlier on Tuesday.

 The scene of the assassination in Damascus  (credit: REUTERS/FIRAS MAKDESI)
The scene of the assassination in Damascus (credit: REUTERS/FIRAS MAKDESI)

When asked about the reported attack, the Israeli military said it does not comment on foreign media reports.

Israel targets Iran-backed terrorists

Israel has been carrying out strikes against Iran-linked targets in Syria for years but has ramped up such raids since last year's Oct. 7 attack by Palestinian terrorist group Hamas on Israeli territory.