Late Sunday night, a series of powerful airstrikes hit multiple locations across Syria, leading to significant destruction and casualties
According to both Syrian state media and opposition sources, these strikes, carried out by Israeli jets, resulted in at least 16 deaths and over 40 injuries.
The targets spanned several regions, including Damascus, Homs, Tartus, and Masyaf
Masyaf and Its Strategic Importance
One of the main targets of this airstrike was a military research facility in Masyaf.
This facility is reportedly connected to Syria’s chemical weapons and missile development program
Explosions were heard in several areas, but Masyaf was hit hardest
The research center is believed to be under the influence of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), and has been on Israel’s radar for years due to its role in the development of advanced weaponry.
Iranian Militia and Advanced Weaponry
The Israeli strikes were aimed not only at the research facility but also at pro-Iranian militias.
According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the attack is described as one of the most intense Israeli operations in recent years
The missiles destroyed military buildings and areas used by weapons experts from Iran, who were reportedly working on precision missiles and drones.
Among the dead, at least four civilians were also killed in the attack.
A History of Tensions
This is not the first time that Israel has targeted Masyaf
In 2017, Israel attacked the same area due to its suspected role in storing surface-to-surface missiles and chemical weapons.
The airstrike also reignites memories of the 2007 attack, when Israel destroyed the al-Kibar nuclear reactor
Back then, the International Atomic Energy Agency had requested access to several Syrian facilities, including Masyaf.
Israel's Ongoing Campaign Against Iran's Presence
While the Israeli military has remained tight-lipped about the recent strikes, Israel has been clear in its broader strategy
For years, Israel has conducted hundreds of airstrikes inside Syria, aiming to limit Iranian influence in the region
In particular, Israel has been working to prevent Syria from becoming a transit hub for Iranian weapons bound for Hezbollah in Lebanon, a group Israel has clashed with for more than a decade.
Air Defenses and Syrian Response
Syria attempted to respond to the attack, with military sources stating that their air defense systems intercepted some of the incoming missiles.
However, despite these efforts, the strikes still caused considerable damage and sparked two fires.
The Syrian government, along with Iran, strongly condemned the attacks.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson labeled the airstrikes as criminal, further intensifying tensions between the two nations.
Although Syria has tried to avoid being drawn into the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, these strikes raise concerns about the potential for escalating violence across the region.
The recent airstrikes come after a surge in Israeli raids on Iranian-backed targets, which began after the Hamas attack on Israel in October
Despite a slight decrease in these operations after April, this latest incident demonstrates that the conflict remains far from over
Conclusion
The airstrike on Sunday night is another reminder of the delicate and volatile situation in the Middle East.
As Israel continues its efforts to curtail Iranian influence in Syria, these strikes highlight the broader risks of regional instability, especially as Syria and Iran remain key players in the unfolding dynamics.
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