Israel strikes on military sites in Damascus kill 15

Israel has been carrying out strikes against Iran-linked targets in Syria for years but has ramped up such raids since last year's October 7 attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel that sparked the Gaza war.

Israel ramped up strikes against Iran-linked targets in Syria since last year's October 7 attack. (AP PHOTO)

Commanders in Lebanon's Hezbollah armed group and Iran's Revolutionary Guards based in Syria have been known to reside in Mazzeh, according to residents who fled after recent strikes that killed some key figures from the groups.

Mazzeh's high-rise blocks have been used by the authorities in the past to house leaders of Palestinian factions including Hamas and Islamic Jihad.