Israeli forces raid Iranian consulate in Syria, causing fatalities

Israeli forces carried out a raid on the Iranian consulate in Syria on Monday, as reported by Haaretz's website, citing the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). Preliminary reports indicate there were injuries and at least eight fatalities.

The raid targeted not only the consulate buildings but also the neighboring residence of the Iranian ambassador, according to Reuters, which cited sources in Syrian media.

Unofficial reports from the Israeli website Maariv suggest that among those killed and injured were advisors or officers of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.

Despite the destruction of his residence, the Iranian ambassador was not injured, Nournews reported. Among the raid's victims was Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a high-ranking commander of the elite Iranian Al-Quds unit, Syrian state television noted. The Ministry of Defense in Damascus attributed the attack to Israel.

The Syrian Ministry of Defense announced several fatalities, stating, "The Israeli enemy carried out air raids from the occupied Golan Heights, targeting the Iranian consulate building in Damascus." The ministry further reported that the building was "completely destroyed," and none of its occupants survived.

In response to a request for comment, a spokesperson for the Israeli army stated the military "does not comment on reports from foreign media."

The Al-Quds Brigades, part of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, carry out military operations outside Iran's borders. They're responsible for training, supplying, and financing armed groups and terrorist organizations that cooperate with Tehran's government.