The attack occurred less than 24 hours after the end of a seven-day pause in fighting between Israel and the Hezbollah ally Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The strike targeted Hezbollah sites near Sayyida Zeinab and resulted in the deaths of two Syrian fighters affiliated with Hezbollah. Additionally, the two Iranian officers from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were specifically targeted by the Israelis, as stated by Rami Abdel Rahman of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The British-based monitor, which has reliable sources within Syria, reported that the IRGC officers were struck immediately after entering the Hezbollah site. Despite receiving medical treatment, both officers succumbed to their injuries. Five other fighters were wounded in the attack.

The Revolutionary Guards accused Israel of killing two of its members, identified as Mohammed Ali Ataei Shoorcheh and Panah Taghizadeh. According to the Revolutionary Guards' Sepah News website, the officers were conducting an advisory mission in the Syrian Islamic resistance front at the time of their martyrdom. However, the exact location and timing of their deaths were not disclosed.

Israel has carried out numerous airstrikes on Syria since the start of the country's civil war in 2011. These strikes have primarily targeted Iran-backed forces, including Hezbollah fighters, as well as positions held by the Syrian army. Notably, Israeli attacks have intensified since the beginning of its conflict with Hamas in October. Last year, Hamas announced the restoration of its relations with the Syrian government.

The Syrian defense ministry confirmed the Israeli strike near Damascus and reported that the attack was carried out from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan. While no casualty figures were provided, an AFP journalist in the area heard the sound of bombings. Syrian state television also reported "Israeli aggression" near the capital. The Israeli army has not provided any comment regarding the attack.

This is not the first time that Israel has targeted the same area near Damascus. On November 8th, Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of three Hezbollah fighters as they struck sites belonging to the Lebanese group. Furthermore, previous Israeli airstrikes on October 12th and 22nd had rendered both Damascus and Aleppo airports out of service.

Israel has maintained its stance of not allowing Iran to expand its presence in Syria, where they back President Bashar al-Assad. Hezbollah, a long-time ally of Damascus, has fought alongside Assad in the country's ongoing war. The Israeli government rarely provides official comments on individual strikes targeting Syria, but it has repeatedly emphasized its position on countering Iran's influence in the region.

Syria had earlier claimed that its air defenses had successfully repelled an Israeli rocket attack near Damascus. The Syrian defense ministry's statement did not mention any casualty figures or further details of the attack.