Israeli military forces have carried out a series of airstrikes across Syria, hitting key military sites and sparking a new wave of tensions in the region.
The strikes, which have caused significant damage to Syria’s military infrastructure, have been confirmed by the BBC and documented by the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).
Videos verified by BBC show large explosions at the port of Latakia, located on Syria’s Mediterranean coast. The footage reveals substantial damage to naval ships and port facilities.
According to SOHR, more than 310 strikes have been carried out by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) since Sunday. The attacks have targeted a wide range of military sites, including weapon warehouses, ammunition depots, airports, and naval bases across Syria.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the airstrikes, calling the operation to destroy Syria’s naval fleet a “great success.”
In a statement, Katz emphasized that the Israeli military’s actions were aimed at eliminating “strategic capabilities that threaten the State of Israel.”
“We are striking to ensure that weapons do not fall into the hands of extremists during this time of uncertainty in Syria,” he added.
The IDF has also confirmed that Israeli troops are operating in Syrian territory, beyond the demilitarized buffer zone that separates Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
Israeli forces have been moving into the area, known as the Area of Separation, which was originally created as part of a ceasefire agreement in 1974 between Israel and Syria. Despite the ceasefire, the region has remained a flashpoint for tensions ever since Israel’s controversial annexation of the Golan Heights in 1981.
The Israeli military claims that its presence in the buffer zone is temporary and intended as a defensive measure. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Monday, “We will defend the State of Israel and its borders, and if we must, we will take necessary actions to ensure our security.”
The strikes have been particularly focused on Syria’s military infrastructure in key cities such as Aleppo, Damascus, and Hama.
SOHR reported that more than 60 airstrikes took place overnight between Monday and Tuesday alone, further intensifying the conflict. The Syrian army’s facilities have suffered extensive damage, with many structures completely destroyed.
Rami Abdul Rahman, the founder of SOHR, said the attacks have “destroyed all the capabilities of the Syrian army.” He expressed concern over the impact of the strikes, adding, “Syrian lands are being violated in ways that could change the course of the conflict.”
Although Israel has acknowledged its presence within the Area of Separation, it has denied reports suggesting that Israeli tanks are approaching Damascus.
IDF spokesperson Nadav Shoshani clarified that Israeli forces are positioned in the buffer zone “and a few additional points,” but insisted that the IDF is not engaged in an offensive operation near Syria’s capital.
The IDF’s incursion into the buffer zone has drawn sharp criticism from neighboring Turkey. Turkey’s foreign ministry condemned Israel’s actions, accusing Israel of adopting an “occupying mentality” during a critical time when there is hope for peace and stability in Syria.
This comes at a time of political transition in Syria, with the country moving into a post-Assad era following the ongoing conflict that has ravaged the nation for over a decade.
The strikes have raised serious concerns about the presence of chemical weapons in Syria. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar explained that Israel’s primary concern is the potential for Syria’s remaining chemical weapons to fall into the hands of extremist groups.
He stated, “We are targeting weapons systems, including chemical weapons and long-range missiles, to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.”
The UN’s chemical weapons watchdog, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), recently warned the Syrian authorities to ensure that suspected chemical weapon stockpiles are secured.
While it remains unclear how many chemical weapons Syria still possesses, it is widely believed that former President Bashar al-Assad maintained such stockpiles despite international agreements to eliminate them.
Israel’s military campaign has not only targeted Syrian military installations but also sent a strong message about its intentions to protect its borders and interests in the region.
While Israel insists that its strikes are meant to defend its citizens and prevent weapons from reaching extremists, the growing presence of Israeli forces within Syria’s border has raised the stakes of an already fragile situation.
The situation remains fluid, with the international community closely watching developments in Syria. The fear is that further escalation could lead to even more instability, not only in Syria but across the wider Middle East.
As Israel continues its operations, it is clear that its military is prepared to take whatever measures it deems necessary to secure its interests, even if it means taking direct action within Syrian territory.
