Israel has conducted a series of airstrikes on Syria, targeting strategic weapons stockpiles and advancing into previously demilitarized areas. This development comes amid a significant shift in Syria’s political and military landscape following the collapse of President Bashar Assad’s regime.
Key Developments in the Conflict
Hundreds of Airstrikes on Syrian Targets
Intensive Operations: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported carrying out hundreds of airstrikes within days of Assad’s ouster. These strikes aimed to prevent advanced weapons from falling into the hands of terrorist groups.
Strategic Assets Destroyed: Targets included anti-aircraft batteries, airfields, and weapons production facilities. Assets destroyed reportedly included:
Cruise and Scud missiles
Tanks
Radars
Attack helicopters
Naval Engagements
Syrian Ports Hit: The Israeli navy launched strikes on ports in Al-Bayda and Latakia, with Defence Minister Israel Katz calling the mission a “great success.” The operation reportedly destroyed much of the Syrian fleet.
Ground Forces Move into Golan Heights
Temporary Defensive Position: Israeli forces advanced into the Golan Heights, a buffer zone previously governed by a 1974 disengagement agreement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the move as necessary to prevent hostile forces from establishing themselves near Israel’s border.
UN Response: The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force criticized the action, highlighting a violation of the disengagement agreement.
Wider Regional Impact
International Airstrikes
US Operations: The US has conducted precision strikes on ISIS camps and operatives in Syria. President Joe Biden emphasized the importance of these efforts in preventing ISIS from exploiting the chaos.
Turkey’s Involvement: Ankara targeted sites held by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which it considers a terrorist group.
Rebel Offensive and Assad’s Collapse
Assad’s downfall followed an offensive by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which has links to Al-Qaeda. This has created a power vacuum and escalated regional tensions.
Reactions and Criticism
Arab Nations Condemn Israeli Actions
Egypt’s Stance: Egypt’s foreign ministry accused Israel of exploiting Syria’s instability to expand its territorial control.
Arab League Response: The Arab League criticized Israel for taking advantage of Syria’s internal turmoil.
UN Concerns
Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, confirmed Israel’s presence in at least three locations in the Golan Heights. He reiterated that military activity in the buffer zone breaches the 1974 agreement.
Israel’s Strategic Goals
Defense Minister Katz stated that Israel seeks to establish a “sterile defense zone” free of weapons and terrorist threats in southern Syria. This move aims to prevent terrorism from taking root and ensure Israel’s security along its borders.
Conclusion
Israel’s intensified military operations in Syria reflect its efforts to address security threats amid the chaos following Assad’s regime collapse. However, these actions have drawn criticism from neighbouring Arab countries and international organizations. As the situation develops, the region remains fraught with uncertainty and potential for further escalation.
Sources:
Business Insider
CNN
The Guardian
Syrian Observatory for Human Rights
Egypt Independent