Israel launches heavy airstrikes on Syria

Israel unleashed a massive wave of airstrikes on Syrian military sites on Tuesday, targeting weapons and installations to prevent them from falling into hostile hands following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. These strikes were among the most intense in the history of Israel’s operations in Syria, leaving significant damage across the country.

Syrian security officers and regional sources reported that Israeli strikes hit military bases, airfields, and Republican Guard assets, decimating dozens of helicopters, jets, and other military equipment. In Damascus, the Barzeh defense ministry research center—previously targeted by Western forces in 2018 for its alleged role in chemical weapons production—was reportedly destroyed.

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has conducted over 300 airstrikes in Syria since the regime’s fall. Monday night, the Israeli Navy launched operations to destroy the former regime’s naval fleet, including vessels armed with sea-to-sea missiles at the Minet el-Beida bay and Latakia port.

“Israel is acting to ensure that advanced weapons and strategic assets do not fall into the hands of hostile forces amid the ongoing chaos in Syria,” said an IDF spokesperson.

After seizing control of the 1974 buffer zone in the Golan Heights, Israel denied reports of advancing beyond the zone or nearing Damascus. “IDF troops are present inside the buffer zone and at defensive positions close to the border to protect the Israeli border,” said Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman.

Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia condemned Israel’s seizure of the buffer zone, with Saudi Arabia warning that it could destabilize Syria further. UN special envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen called on Israel to cease its operations, labeling the situation “extremely important” for regional stability.

Israel has consistently stated that it has no intention of intervening in Syria’s internal conflict and that its actions are defensive. “Limited and temporary measures” have been taken to protect Israel’s security, officials told the UN Security Council.

As the situation in Syria remains volatile, Israel has vowed to continue its strikes to neutralize threats while maintaining its defensive stance along the border.