The Mezze district, located in the western part of the Syrian capital Damascus, has transformed into one of the most dangerous residential areas in the city due to increased security and military targeting within its borders. The latest incident was an airstrike by Israel today, aimed at a elite group of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Mezze is known as one of the modern, organized neighborhoods of Damascus, and thus, it was considered an upscale area, home to Damascene families that relocated from the old central neighborhoods to the west during the urban expansion in the 1970s. Many embassies and media outlets established their offices in Mezze alongside a significant number of officials residing in the area, turning it into a heavily fortified security zone.
What is the significance of this neighborhood, which has previously seen similar airstrikes targeting leaders of Iranian-backed militias, including its airport?
**Security and Military Headquarters**
The Mezze area in western Damascus, where the explosion occurred today, houses several security and military headquarters, along with residences and locations of prominent Palestinian and Iranian leaders, as well as a gathering of various embassies and international organizations, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The urban development in the district increased significantly after independence from the French mandate, connecting it to the city of Damascus and establishing it as one of the modern suburbs of Damascus, making it one of the newest and most upscale and developed areas in Damascus. The presidential palace was also built on a hill overlooking the district, along with numerous administrative buildings, a court complex, and several international official headquarters.
**Mezze Military Airport**
The district also includes the Mezze airport, which gained importance in modern times when the French established the military airport, which was previously the main airport for Damascus before the construction of Damascus International Airport in the southeastern part of the city.
**Mezze Prison**
Additionally, the area contains many modern buildings, high-rise residential towers, bridges, and tunnels, as well as numerous modern commercial centers, popular markets, and sports cities such as Al-Jalaa and the Youth City, along with several colleges from the University of Damascus.
**Population**
The district spans an area of 7,750 hectares, extending from Al-Umayyin Square in the east to the Somaria area in the west, and from Mount Mezze in the north to Kafr Sousa in the south. It is believed that the population reaches approximately 90,000 residents, according to information published by the "Wikipedia" encyclopedia.
