regional tensions
Israeli attack kills at least 14 people in central Syria, according to state media
Israeli missiles have killed at least 14 individuals in central Syria, according to state media reports. According to SANA, Syria's official news agency, the attack on Sunday night caused a fire and material damage near the city of Masyaf in Hama province. The update, which reportedly reported 43 injured, adds to the previous reports of five dead and 19 wounded. Around 11:20 p.m. on Sunday, the Israeli enemy started an air attack from northwestern Lebanon, targeting several military sites in Syria's central region, a military source told SANA.
US orders Middle East submarine, carrier strike group faster sailing
US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin has directed the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the Middle East and the acceleration of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group's arrival. The order was issued on Sunday evening during a phone chat between Austin and Israeli Minister of Defence Yoav Galant, as tensions rose following the deaths of key Hamas and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants. Austin reaffirmed the United States' commitment to take every feasible measure to defend Israel, as well as the upgrading of US military force posture and capabilities throughout the Middle East in response to growing regional tensions, according to the Pentagon.