Israel strikes research facility, arms depot in central Syria

DAMASCUS, Sept. 9, (Xinhua/GNA) –Israel carried out air strikes on a scientific research facility and an arms depot in central Syria on Sunday night, a war monitor reported.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the attack, targeted sites in Masyaf, in western Hama province.

Ambulances were seen rushing to the area, the Britain-based group said, adding that a large fire was seen near Wadi al-Oyoun in western Hama following the strikes.

Syrian state television reported that air defenses responded to “Israeli aggression” in central Syria. The Observatory said several missiles were intercepted.

At least 14 people were killed and 43 others wounded from the overnight airstrikes, the state news agency SANA said on Monday. Among the injured, six remain in critical condition, Faisal Haidar, the director of Masyaf National Hospital in Hama province, was quoted as saying by SANA.

Earlier in the day, the Syrian Defense Ministry confirmed that at least four people were killed and 15 others injured in Israeli air attacks late Sunday night on military sites in central Syria.

Israel has conducted numerous strikes in Syria in recent years, often targeting what it says are Iranian-linked and Hezbollah positions.

GNA