Israel has launched a wave of heavy airstrikes across Syria as its ground troops push closer to the Syrian capital, Damascus, according to reports from opposition groups and local sources. The escalation comes after rebel forces recently toppled the regime of Bashar al-Assad, plunging the country into further instability.
Heavy Airstrikes Target Strategic Syrian Sites
Associated Press reporters in Damascus confirmed overnight and early-morning airstrikes that shook the city and its suburbs. Images circulating online reveal extensive damage to missile launchers, helicopters, and warplanes.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitor relying on local networks, reported that the strikes had devastated key military installations, including weapons depots, naval facilities, and research centers.
Key targets included:
- Latakia: An air defense base, Syrian naval ships, and military warehouses.
- Damascus and Suburbs: Military installations, research centers, and electronic warfare facilities.
The Observatory claims that Israel has conducted over 300 airstrikes since Assad’s overthrow, dismantling what it describes as Syria’s “most critical military assets.”
Ground Advances and Buffer Zones
Israeli troops have advanced within 25 kilometers (15 miles) of Damascus, reportedly aiming to secure a strategic buffer zone. This would extend a previously seized area along the Golan Heights border, originally established after the 1973 Mideast war.
An Israeli military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that troops are targeting “strategic points” within Syria and aim to secure additional locations of tactical significance.
Regional Reactions
The incursion has drawn sharp condemnation:
- Egypt and Saudi Arabia accused Israel of exploiting Syria’s political vacuum, calling the actions a violation of international law.
- Lebanon expressed concerns over Israeli troops advancing along its border with Syria.
Context of Israel’s Strategy
Israel has justified its actions as preemptive strikes on suspected chemical and heavy weapons sites to neutralize threats. The country’s history of securing territorial buffers, such as the Golan Heights, reflects its strategic doctrine of prioritizing security over territorial disputes.
As Syria grapples with a fragile political transition following Assad’s fall, Israel’s actions have intensified tensions across the region, with the potential for broader implications.