In a significant escalation of tensions between Israel and its regional adversaries, Israeli airstrikes near the northern city of Aleppo in Syria have resulted in multiple casualties and extensive damage. The Syrian army confirmed that the strikes killed or wounded "a number of" people, while the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 44 individuals were killed, including Syrian troops and fighters from Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the Israeli strikes targeted missile depots belonging to Hezbollah in the southern suburb of Jibreen, near the Aleppo International Airport, as well as in the nearby town of Safira, which houses a large military facility. The observatory further stated that the attack claimed the lives of 36 Syrian troops, seven Hezbollah fighters, and a member of an Iran-backed group. It described this as the deadliest attack of its kind in years, and many others were left wounded.

Israeli officials have not yet issued a statement specifically addressing these strikes. However, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was quoted as saying that Israel would expand its ongoing campaign against Hezbollah and pursue them wherever they may operate, including in Beirut and Damascus. Israel has been carrying out regular airstrikes on targets in government-controlled parts of Syria for years, primarily aimed at combating Iranian entrenchment in the region.

In a separate incident, Lebanese state media reported that an Israeli drone strike targeting a car near the southern port city of Tyre had killed a Hezbollah member identified as Ali Naim, the deputy head of Hezbollah's rocket and missile program. The group confirmed his death but did not provide further details about his role within the organization.

This recent escalation follows clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces on the Lebanon-Israel border, alongside the ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. Both Hezbollah and Hamas are considered part of Iran's armed proxy forces in the Middle East. Concerns are now mounting that the clashes along the Israel-Lebanon border could potentially evolve into a full-scale war, with the potential involvement of other countries such as Iran.

The situation remains tense as both Israel and its adversaries continue to exchange strikes, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. The international community will closely monitor the developments and strive to prevent further escalation in this volatile region.