What Happened
Israeli special forces conducted a high-stakes raid on an Iranian weapons facility located in the Masyaf area of Syria earlier this week, according to several unconfirmed reports. The operation reportedly saw a series of Israeli airstrikes on military sites in central Syria late Sunday, taking out multiple targets, including a scientific research center known for the manufacture of chemical weapons and precision missiles.
Why It Matters
The Masyaf region has long been associated with the development of weapons that pose a significant threat to both Israel and broader regional stability. By targeting and disrupting these facilities, Israel aims to undermine Iran’s ability to arm hostile forces like Hezbollah.
Details
It has emerged that Israeli troops might have been on the ground during this operation, a notable point given Masyaf’s geographical relevance—approximately 200 kilometers north of Israel and just 30 kilometers from the Syrian western coastline.
Despite Syrian air defenses, weakened from recent Israeli attacks, the special forces skillfully executed the destruction of strategic Iranian and Syrian assets. Additional reports indicate the operation also targeted a Russian communications center.
Opposition Report
The Turkey-based opposition Syria TV network reported an intense encounter where Israeli helicopters hovered above the ground as special forces were deployed via ropes, leading to violent clashes. Three Syrian nationals were reportedly killed, and sources suggest two to four Iranians were captured, although their fate remains undisclosed.
Targets and Operations
The strike chiefly aimed at an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) facility involved in the creation of ballistic missiles and drones. Supported by airstrikes, Israeli forces effectively prohibited any Syrian reinforcements from reaching the facility, unraveled equipment and documents before strategically planting explosives to obliterate the facility.
Broader Implications
The region housing the Scientific Studies and Research Center (CERS/SSRC) continues to be a focal point in the ongoing tension. While the center is publicly linked to the production of conventional arms, Western powers, including the United States, associate it with the clandestine development of sarin gas—a claim Syria dismisses.
The Israeli government has yet to comment officially on the raid, adhering to its policy of not acknowledging specific operations. Post the devastating Hamas attack, Israel has intensified strikes against Iranian-backed terrorist networks in Syria and elsewhere, maintaining its stance against Iran’s expanding influence and hostile endeavors in the region.
Context
Since the onset of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, Israel has routinely carried out airstrikes to deter the transfer of sophisticated weapons into the hands of Iran-backed Hezbollah or to stave off Iranian forces attempting to entrench themselves near its borders.
In recent weeks, following a brutal attack by Hamas, the escalation has been palpable, with Israel determined to prevent further aggressions from Iranian-backed entities at both state and non-state levels.
Report Contribution
Contribution by Emanuel Fabian.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.