Iran has reported that an Israeli airstrike in Syria resulted in the deaths of two members of its Revolutionary Guard

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s website reported that two of its members, stationed in Syria, were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Saturday. The deceased were identified as Mohammad Ali Ataei Shourcheh and Panah Taghizadeh, who were said to be on an advisory mission in Syria. The report did not specify their military rank or the exact location of the incident.

Syrian state media, citing an unnamed military source, confirmed that Israeli airstrikes targeted several areas on the outskirts of Damascus early Saturday. These strikes reportedly caused only material damage.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, reported that the airstrikes hit the southern Damascus suburb of Sayyida Zeinab, a location known for the presence of forces allied with Lebanese Hezbollah. According to this source, the airstrike resulted in the death of two Syrian nationals and two foreigners and injured five others.

This incident further escalates tensions between Israel and Iran, a key supporter of Hamas. Iranian authorities have repeatedly cautioned that the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which erupted on October 7, might extend to other regions.

Israel has been particularly concerned about Iran’s military presence in Syria, vowing to prevent Iranian entrenchment along its northern border. Syria has accused Israel of conducting numerous strikes on government-controlled areas, though Israel rarely acknowledges these attacks.

Iran has been a significant backer of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during Syria’s 12-year civil war, deploying thousands of Iran-backed fighters who have shifted the power balance in favor of Assad.

Although scores of Iranian Revolutionary Guard members have died in the Syrian conflict, Tehran maintains that its role in Syria is strictly advisory.

In response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Israel has conducted several airstrikes in Syria, leading to the temporary closure of the Damascus and Aleppo international airports for over a month.