A powerful explosion and fire occurred in a Shiite area south of Damascus.

Israel reportedly targeted an area along the southern spur of Damascus where Iranian forces, including Hezbollah, are located. It is also home to the Tomb of Zeinab, a holy site for Shiites, and has been the site of repeated Israeli bombings.

The Syrian Human Rights Watch confirmed explosions and fires in the Sayida Zeinab area. Closer to the Assad government, a fire was reported at a warehouse. However, there are reports that the smoke could have been caused by burning tires, although there is no official comment from either the Syrian government or Israel.

The incident comes at a time of heightened tension in the region following the killing of senior members of Hezbollah and Hamas. Videos and photos of a plume of smoke rising over the Sayida Zeinab neighborhood near Damascus have been circulating on social media.