Israeli Strikes Target Syrian Naval Bases
Israel has carried out strikes targeting Syrian naval assets just days following the downfall of the Assad government. Read Full Article at RT.com.
Over the past 48 hours, Israeli warships launched missiles at the Mediterranean ports of Latakia and Al-Bayda. The IDF reported that 15 Syrian naval vessels were present at these ports during the strikes. They stated on X, “Dozens of sea-to-sea missiles with ranges of 80-190 km were destroyed,” and shared a video of the attacks on unspecified vessels.
In a breakdown provided by the IDF, it was highlighted that in 48 hours, most of Syria's strategic weapons stockpiles were hit to prevent them from reaching terrorist organizations. The Israeli Navy missile ships targeted two Syrian Navy facilities.
Al Jazeera shared images purportedly depicting the destruction of Syrian Navy ships, while an AFP journalist in Latakia observed smoke rising from at least three Soviet-era vessels equipped with machine guns and missile launchers.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he had sanctioned the IDF to “bomb strategic military capabilities left by the Syrian army, so that they would not fall into the hands of the jihadists.”
Additionally, Israeli forces have expanded their presence from the Golan Heights deeper into Syria, building upon territory they have occupied since 1967. Defense Minister Israel Katz indicated that the IDF plans to establish a “sterile defense zone” in southern Syria to deter “terrorist groups” from exploiting the ongoing turmoil and posing a threat to Israel.
Arab nations and Turkey have voiced their disapproval of the Israeli operations, with Saudi Arabia claiming that the IDF's actions are exacerbating the instability in the war-torn nation.
The situation in Syria underwent a significant shift earlier this month, as a coalition of anti-Assad forces, primarily led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham jihadists, launched a swift offensive that resulted in the capture of all cities previously under government control. Other factions, including the US-backed Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, have also taken advantage of the government's collapse to expand their territories.
In response, Russia has placed its air base near Latakia on high alert, but indicated through TASS that there is no immediate threat to its personnel. Reports suggest that the Syrian opposition has been in contact with Russian officials, assuring the safety of Russian diplomats and military members.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News