Israeli airstrikes struck Aleppo early Friday, resulting in 38 deaths, including five Hezbollah members, as confirmed by two security sources.

The Syrian defense ministry reported civilian and military casualties following attacks by Israel and militant groups on the city’s countryside at approximately 1:45 a.m. local time.

The strikes coincided with drone attacks from Idlib and western rural Aleppo, described by the ministry as assaults by “terrorist organizations” targeting civilians.

While the ministry did not specify the exact death toll or clarify whether casualties resulted from Israeli airstrikes or militant attacks, it denounced the aggression, citing injuries to both civilians and military personnel, along with damage to public and private property. The Israeli military refrained from commenting on the airstrikes.

In response to Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israeli civilians and soldiers, Israel has intensified strikes on alleged bases of Iranian-backed militias in Syria.

These strikes have targeted Syrian army air defenses and forces, underscoring Israel’s ongoing military actions in Syria amid Tehran’s growing influence in the region.

Hezbollah, backed by Iran, holds significant control in various Syrian territories and suburbs surrounding Damascus.

The escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have led to cross-border exchanges of fire, marking the most significant escalation since their 2006 conflict.

Israel’s persistent airstrikes in Syria are part of its long-standing strategy to counter Iranian influence and prevent arms transfers to Hezbollah, which it considers a threat to its security.