Damascus, Sep 29 (V7N)– At least twelve pro-Iranian fighters were killed, and several others wounded, in an unidentified airstrike in eastern Syria, according to reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights on Sunday.

The strikes targeted military positions in the city of Deir ez-Zor and its eastern regions, including the border area of Bokamal near Iraq. The Observatory indicated that "unknown sources" were responsible for the attacks. Five military installations near Deir ez-Zor airport were also hit, but no group has yet claimed responsibility for the assault.

Voice of America reported the news, highlighting that both Israel and the United States have previously conducted airstrikes in the region targeting Iranian-backed groups. Iran has been a key military ally to the Syrian government since the outbreak of the civil war in 2011, while Israel has maintained a strategy of targeting pro-Iranian forces in Syria to prevent Iran’s growing influence in the region.

While Israel generally refrains from commenting directly on airstrikes within Syria, it has consistently stated that it will not tolerate Iran's military presence in the country. The U.S. also continues to carry out strikes on Iranian-backed militias, adding to the volatility of the area.

The latest strikes come amid heightened tensions, following Israeli air raids in southern Lebanon that targeted Hezbollah positions. These raids, which killed several key Hezbollah leaders, including their chief Hassan Nasrallah, have sparked concerns of a broader regional conflict involving Israel, Iran, and their allies.

As the situation remains fragile, further escalations in Syria and across the Middle East could deepen the ongoing conflict between Israel and pro-Iranian forces.

END/RH/AJ