Damascus, Syria – Iranian military officials are among the casualties after an airstrike targeted the country’s consulate building in Damascus, Syria. The attack, which resulted in the deaths of seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp officials, has been attributed to Israel by Iranian authorities and state-affiliated media. Among the slain commanders are Mohammed Reza Zahedi and Haji Rahimi, according to Iranian state news agency IRNA.
The list of officials killed also includes Hossein Aman Elahi, Mehdi Jalalati, Mohsen Sedaghat, Ali Aghababaee, and Ali Salehi Roozbahani. Images from the scene show the flattened building in Syria’s capital, with Iranian state media Press TV sharing footage of the extensive damage and ensuing fire and smoke.
In a statement to reporters in Damascus, Iranian ambassador Hossein Akbari accused Israeli F-35 warplanes of targeting the consulate building, situated near the Iranian embassy. The incident also resulted in the deaths of Iranian embassy staff and military advisers, sparking discussions regarding the nature of the building and the identity of the casualties.
Israel Defense Forces, when approached for comment on the incident, refrained from providing detailed information, maintaining that the building hit was associated with Quds forces rather than serving as a consulate. This claim was supported by Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, who asserted that the site was a military building under the guise of civilian infrastructure.
Amidst escalating tensions, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani hinted at possible retaliatory actions in response to the attack. The foreign ministers of Iran and Syria have also condemned the strike, criticizing Israel for violating international obligations and demanding a robust response from the global community. The incident, which claimed the life of notable commander Mohammed Reza Zahedi, has raised concerns about further conflicts in the region.
As the situation continues to unfold, the United States State Department remains cautious, refusing to confirm the target or responsible party behind the airstrike. With conflicting narratives emerging from different sources, the aftermath of the attack underscores the fragile geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.