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Middle East conflict

Israeli strikes destroy all bridges near Syrian city of Al-Qusayr — authorities

The attacks disrupted communication between the western bank of the Orontes River and settlements on the eastern bank, blocking traffic between Al-Qusayr and its surroundings

BEIRUT, November 15. /TASS/. All seven bridges near the city of Al-Qusayr in the Syrian Province of Homs have been destroyed in Israeli strikes, Ramez Saadeh, head of the Al-Qusayr City Council, told the Sham FM radio station.

According to him, the attacks disrupted communication between the western bank of the Orontes River and settlements on the eastern bank, blocking traffic between Al-Qusayr and its surroundings. Local residents are now deprived of the opportunity to travel around the area, and supply chains are disrupted. At least two of the damaged buildings had historical significance.

According to the city council head, the local authorities are taking all the necessary measures to build temporary bridges.

The Al-Qusayr has repeatedly come under fire with Israel claiming that its attacks particularly target Hezbollah’s weapons supply routes.

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants staged a surprise attack on Israeli territory from Gaza, killing residents of Israeli border settlements and taking hostages. In response, Israel declared a total blockade of the Gaza Strip, launching air strikes on Gaza as well as some parts of Lebanon and Syria before starting a ground operation in the Palestinian enclave. On September 23, the Israel Defense Forces launched Operation Northern Arrows against the Lebanon-based Hezbollah Shia movement, carrying out massive airstrikes on its military targets. On October 1, Israel announced the start of a limited ground operation in the border areas of southern Lebanon.

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