HAMA, Syria, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Mohammad Al-Homsi, a 50-year-old resident of Syria's Masyaf, vividly recalls what had happened when Israel launched overnight airstrikes on sites near the city.
"Around 11:00 PM, we heard the sound of a nearby explosion, and then drones began bombing," he told Xinhua. "There were explosions one after another, with about five to 10 minutes between each one. People woke up in panic. Elderly men, women, and children were all crying out in fear."
Israeli attacked military sites in the central Syrian province of Hama late Sunday, which killed 18 people, including four civilians, and injured 37 others, six of whom remained in critical condition, according to the latest figures released by Syria's Foreign Ministry.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, reported that the strikes are among the most intense in months. Local officials reported that the airstrikes caused significant damage to critical infrastructure, disrupting telecommunications, electricity, and water systems.
During a visit to the scene of the attack, Xinhua reporters saw local residents busy repairing the damage, while government employees worked to restore water, telecommunications, and electricity services. Charred forestland and damaged vehicles were visible, with some residents still assessing the extent of the damage.
"We've experienced previous strikes, but not with this intensity. This time, the situation is different," said Al-Homsi.
He noted that the airstrikes led to widespread anxiety among residents.
Sixteen-year-old Karam Kahwaji recounted the terror of hearing the bombing while outside.
"I was on the ground and went outside when I heard the explosions and shelling. The sound of the aircraft was terrifying," Kahwaji told Xinhua.
He added that some of his relatives were targeted while on their motorbikes. "When they turned on the lights, they were bombed. The sound was incredibly frightening."
Syrian Health Minister Hassan Al-Ghabbash told Xinhua that all health workers in the provinces of Hama, Tartous, and Homs had been mobilized after the attack.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry condemned the airstrikes, calling them a continuation of Israeli "aggression" aimed at escalating tensions in the region.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights noted that the attack was part of Israel's ongoing strikes in Syria, with 64 attacks reported so far in 2024.
