Israel steps up security for possible Syria airstrike

Israeli soldiers pack their gears near the border between Israel-occupied Golan Heights and Lebanon, on Jan 19, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

According to a statement by Hezbollah, the Shi'ite militant organization, a senior commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, General Mohammed Ali Allhadadi, was also killed in the airstrike, along with several other Iranian soldiers.

Israel refused to comment on the attack. However, Israeli media outlets quoted military sources as saying the target for the attack was terrorists plotting an attack against Israel.

Throughout Monday, UN peacekeepers ran patrols along the Israeli-Lebanese border to ensure calm in the area despite rising tensions. Peacekeepers have been employed along the border following the aftermath of the 2006 war between the countries.

Although not officially confirmed, it is believed Israel carried out several air strikes against Syria to stem weapons delivery to Hezbollah by Iran, and to respond to the overspill of the Syrian Civil War into the northern Israel.

The latest attack took place in December near the Damascus international airport.