Israeli jets launched a series of major airstrikes in Syria early Tuesday, hitting around 300 targets, including military air bases, missile storage facilities, and research centers. Most of the strikes focused on southern Syria, near Damascus, targeting Syrian army assets and air defense systems. Among the key sites hit were the Qamishli and Shinshar air bases, as well as the Aqrba airport southwest of Damascus. The Israeli Air Force also struck a research facility and an electronic warfare center near the capital.
In addition to the airstrikes, the Israeli Navy carried out a large-scale operation to destroy Syria’s naval fleet, sinking several vessels in the port of Latakia. The IDF confirmed the operation aimed to prevent the fleet’s assets from falling into the hands of hostile groups, including Hezbollah.
Reports also suggest that Israeli forces advanced into southern Syria, coming as close as 25 kilometers from Damascus, though the IDF later denied these claims, asserting that its troops were operating within the buffer zone near the Golan Heights.
The Israeli Defense Ministry stated that these operations were necessary to address immediate security threats, particularly from hostile elements near the Golan Heights. Israel has vowed not to intervene in Syria’s internal conflict, framing the strikes as limited and focused on protecting its citizens.
