The Israeli military revealed on Tuesday that it carried out around 480 airstrikes in Syria over the past 48 hours, targeting critical military installations following the removal of President Bashar al-Assad from power.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the strikes aimed to neutralize strategic weapons stockpiles, including airfields, drones, missiles, tanks, and fighter jets, to prevent them from falling into the hands of terrorist groups. Key locations hit include Damascus, Homs, Tartus, Latakia, and Palmyra.
Out of the total strikes, 350 involved manned aircraft, while the rest supported ground operations, focusing on weapons depots and missile launchers. Israeli naval forces also destroyed 15 docked vessels and sea-to-sea missile stockpiles at two Syrian naval facilities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized Assad’s removal as a pivotal moment, asserting, “The collapse of the Syrian regime is a direct result of the severe blows with which we have struck Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran.” However, Israeli officials voiced concerns over potential instability in Syria, warning of the risks posed by radical Islamist factions potentially assuming control.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stressed the importance of targeting facilities housing chemical weapons and long-range missiles to prevent extremist access. “These measures are vital for Israel’s security,” he said.
The strikes mark a significant escalation in the region, reflecting Israel’s strategic efforts to reshape the Middle East amidst ongoing tensions.
