Israeli Airstrikes on Syrian Military Sites: What Happened?
On Sunday night, Israeli airstrikes targeted several military sites in central Syria, leading to the deaths of at least 18 people, according to the Syrian Health Minister. The strikes took place near Masyaf in Hama province, and 37 others were reported injured.
A UK-based monitoring group, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), reported a higher death toll of 26 and stated that one of the primary targets was a scientific research center believed to be involved in weapons development.
Israel’s Silence and International Reactions
As is often the case with Israeli military actions, the Israeli government declined to comment on these reports. However, Syria’s foreign ministry quickly condemned the strikes, labeling them as “blatant aggression,” while Iran’s foreign ministry called it a “criminal attack.”
Israel has a history of targeting sites linked to Iran in Syria, as it considers Iran its primary regional adversary. The airstrikes have intensified since the war in Gaza began in October of last year, following attacks on northern Israel by groups like Hezbollah, which operate from Lebanon and Syria.
How Were the Strikes Carried Out?
According to reports from Sana, the state-run Syrian news agency, Israeli aircraft launched missiles at around 11:20 PM local time, striking several military targets in Syria’s central region. Some of these missiles were intercepted by Syrian air defense systems, but the damage was extensive.
In addition to the military sites, the strikes damaged critical infrastructure. The Masyaf-Wadi al-Oyoun highway was hit, a fiber optic cable was severed, and a high-voltage power line was damaged. A fire also broke out in the nearby Hair Abbas forest, compounding the destruction.
Civilian and Military Casualties
SOHR’s report stated that the strikes destroyed various buildings and military facilities in the scientific research area near Masyaf. At least 26 people were killed, including five civilians, four Syrian government soldiers, and 14 individuals working with Iran-backed militias. Three bodies were yet to be identified.
The observatory further claimed that Iranian Revolutionary Guard officers had been stationed at the research site for six years as part of a missile and drone development program.
Denials from Iran and Syria
Despite SOHR’s claims, Iran denied that any of its facilities were targeted. Iran’s foreign ministry dismissed reports from media outlets linked to Israel, and a senior regional military source also rejected claims that a military research center for chemical weapons production was hit.
This isn’t the first time such facilities have been targeted. In 2017, a similar site was reportedly struck by Israel following a deadly chemical attack on a rebel-held town in Syria. Western intelligence agencies have long suspected Syria of violating the Chemical Weapons Convention by producing chemical arms, a claim that Syria denies.
A Pattern of Israeli Strikes in Syria
This recent attack is just one in a series of Israeli airstrikes in Syria. SOHR’s data reveals that Israel has launched air and artillery strikes on Syrian territory 64 times since the beginning of the year. These strikes have damaged or destroyed around 140 targets, including weapons depots, vehicles, and militia headquarters.
At least 208 people have been killed in these attacks so far, with casualties including Syrian soldiers, Hezbollah fighters, Iranian Revolutionary Guards, and civilians. Notably, in April, Israel allegedly targeted a consulate building in Damascus, killing two senior Iranian Revolutionary Guard commanders. In retaliation, Iran launched 300 missiles and drones at Israel, most of which were intercepted.
Conclusion
The ongoing airstrikes are a reflection of the broader regional conflict involving Israel, Iran, and their respective allies. As tensions continue to rise, the Syrian battlefield remains a focal point for these power struggles, with civilians often caught in the crossfire.