Explosions Reported in Damascus as Syrian Air Defenses Engage Targets Over Capital City

Syrian air defenses were spotted firing at targets over the capital of Damascus late Monday night, and several explosions were reported by eyewitnesses.

According to Syria's state broadcaster Al-Ikhbariyah, the air defense systems were engaging "hostile targets," which typically refers to the Israeli Air Force (IAF).

According to reports, the strikes targeted sites south of Damascus, in Daraa Governorate, which borders the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, and the Al-Kiswa area of Rif Dimashq.

Video was filmed in Damascus of several anti-air missiles firing into the sky.

Syrian air defenses reportedly activated during Israeli airstrikes in the vicinity of Damascus, Syria a short time ago. pic.twitter.com/B6espSs4zC

— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) June 6, 2022

Footage filmed by locals in northern Israel recorded the fighters prior to the strikes.

Recording apparently taken in northern Israel of Israeli airforce activity during airstrikes in the vicinity of Damascus, Syria tonight. pic.twitter.com/qd0i9RBaen

— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) June 6, 2022

Israel has long carried out strikes in Syria against Syrian and Iranian targets, especially since the tide turned against Daesh* and rebel groups aligned with Al-Qaeda** that enjoyed foreign support. Israel has no diplomatic relations with Syria or Iran, which it claims are preparing attacks on Israeli soil.

*Daesh (ISIL/ISIS/Islamic State/IS): a terrorist group banned in Russia and many other countries

**Al-Qaeda: a terrorist group banned in Russia and many other countries