UPDATE - Israel strikes central Syria, killing 14 and injuring 43: Report

UPDATES DEATH TOLL; REVISES HEADLINE, LEDE

By Alperen Aktaş

ISTANBUL (AA) - Israeli strikes hit central Syria late Sunday, killing at least 14 people and wounding 43 others, as well as causing fires at sites believed to house Iranian forces, according to Syrian state media.

Syrian air defenses responded to the attacks, which damaged a highway in the Hama province, with firefighting teams working to control the blazes, the SANA news agency reported.

Masyaf National Hospital reported 14 fatalities and 43 injured, with six of them in critical condition.

The Masyaf area, often linked to Iranian forces, has been frequently targeted in attacks attributed to Israel.

The site contains the Scientific Studies and Research Center (CERS) used by Iran to develop missiles.

There has been no comment from Israel on the attacks as of yet.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) claimed the strikes targeted a research center in Masyaf and areas near Tartous.

SOHR, often criticized for inflating figures, reported an Iranian militia presence at the sites.

Israel, which rarely comments on operations, has conducted airstrikes in Syria since 2011, focusing on Iranian forces and Hezbollah targets.