In a brazen move that has sent shockwaves across the Middle East, Israel has launched a devastating airstrike targeting the Iranian consulate located in the diplomatic quarter of Damascus, Syria. The strike, carried out with precision by Israeli F-35 fighter jets, has resulted in significant casualties and sparked immediate condemnation from several nations, including Russia.
According to reports, the Israeli airstrike occurred on Monday afternoon, around 2 p.m. GMT, targeting the Mezzeh quarter in western Damascus, where the Iranian embassy and consulate are situated. The attack, executed with six projectiles, resulted in the complete destruction of the consulate building and surrounding structures.
Tragically, at least 11 individuals lost their lives in the attack, including two high-ranking generals from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Mohammad Reza Zahedi and Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi. Additionally, five military officers serving as advisers in Damascus were among the casualties.
Despite the destruction wrought by the airstrike, Iranian Ambassador Hossein Akbari escaped unharmed, having been present at the consulate during the attack. However, the compound, which also housed IRGC officials and facilities for meetings with Lebanese and Palestinian organizations, bore the brunt of the assault.
In response to the attack, Iran has vehemently condemned Israel’s actions, labeling them as a violation of international law and accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of losing his “mental composure.” Iranian officials have vowed to retaliate against the aggressors, with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian holding the United States accountable for supporting Israel.
Meanwhile, Israel has maintained a conspicuous silence regarding the strike, neither confirming nor denying its involvement. However, security measures within Israel have been visibly bolstered, indicating a heightened state of alert.
The United States, for its part, has refrained from commenting on the incident, with NBC News reporting that the Biden administration was unaware of plans for the attack on Damascus.
The global response to the Israeli strike has been swift and condemnatory. Russia, in particular, has strongly denounced the attack and has called for an emergency session of the UN Security Council to address the matter. Scheduled for April 2 at 7 p.m. GMT, the session will deliberate on Iran’s request to condemn Israel’s actions.
Amid escalating tensions in the region, the international community remains on edge, awaiting further developments and hoping to avert a broader conflict. As diplomatic efforts intensify and tempers flare, the repercussions of this audacious airstrike reverberate far beyond the borders of Damascus, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the volatile landscape of the Middle East.
