What It Is About
A series of airstrikes targeting multiple regions in central Syria were reported late Sunday night. The strikes, which have been widely attributed to Israel, allegedly resulted in five fatalities and 19 injuries, and led to several fires, according to Syrian state media.
Why It Matters
This incident underscores Israel’s ongoing strategy to counter Iranian influence and prevent its military entrenchment near its borders. The targeted areas in the Hama province are known to serve as bases for Iranian forces and militias aligned with Iran. By striking these locations, Israel aims to curtail the ability of these pro-Iranian forces to manufacture precision weaponry and strengthen their operational capabilities.
Details
Syrian state news agency SANA reported that Syrian air defenses engaged with the incoming aggression, which damaged infrastructural facilities and caused extensive fires. The stricken areas reportedly include the Masyaf region, notable for hosting the Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC), utilized by Iranian forces for the production of advanced missiles.
What They’re Saying
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a UK-based opposition war monitor, confirmed that a part of the strikes were aimed at a scientific research hub in Masyaf, a known site for weapons development with Iranian involvement. Other strikes were reported around the coastal city of Tartous.
SOHR frequently faces criticism over the accuracy of its reports, with allegations of exaggerated or false casualty claims from various Syrian conflict analysts.
Israeli Position
There was no immediate comment from Israel on the specifics of the strikes. Historically, Israel refrains from acknowledging individual operations, although its strategy in Syria has been well-documented. Israel regularly conducts airstrikes in Syria with the objective of disrupting arms transfers to Hezbollah and preventing Iran-backed fighters from positioning themselves near Israeli territory.
Context
Since the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2011, Israel has maintained an aggressive stance against Iranian and proxy forces attempting to fortify their presence in Syria. The recent escalation in Israeli airstrikes is part of a broader response following the heinous October 7 massacre executed by Hamas, which resulted in significant Israeli civilian casualties and kidnappings. Since then, Israel has intensified its attacks not only on Iranian assets but also on Syrian military installations complicity aligned with anti-Israel activities.
Regional Tensions
The atmosphere remains tense, with Hezbollah engaging in frequent cross-border fire exchanges with Israel. These hostilities have been ongoing since Hamas initiated its violent incursion, further exacerbating regional instability.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.