Israel Bombs Damascus Outskirts
israel Launches Airstrikes Near Damascus After Syrian Regime Collapse
Damascus, Syria – In a dramatic escalation following the fall of the Syrian government, Israeli warplanes conducted airstrikes near the syrian capital of Damascus on Thursday, December 12, 2024. Rebel-controlled Syrian television reported the strikes, stating that Israeli fighter jets were targeting areas around Damascus while circling overhead.
The Syrian Observatory for Human rights, a monitoring group, confirmed the attacks, stating that the Aqraba helicopter airport southwest of Damascus was the primary target. The group reported “violent explosions” at the site.
The extent of casualties from the airstrikes remains unclear. This latest attack follows a series of over 350 Israeli airstrikes across 13 Syrian provinces since the collapse of the Assad regime on December 8th. These strikes have targeted a range of military installations, including Syrian warships, weapons depots, anti-aircraft batteries, military airports, and weapons production facilities in cities like Damascus, Homs, Tartus, Latakia, and Palmyra.
In response to the Syrian regime’s downfall, israel has also deployed troops into the demilitarized zone along the Syrian border, a move criticized by several Arab nations and international organizations as a violation of the 1974 separation agreement.
The Israeli military announced on Thursday that it had developed an intelligence plan in recent weeks to target Syria’s strategic weapons in anticipation of the Assad regime’s collapse.
“In anticipation of the possible collapse of the Assad regime, the Israeli Air Force prepared a comprehensive attack plan to eliminate advanced military capabilities in Syria, including strategic weapons,” read a military statement.
Among the installations targeted were the “T4” and “Ble” airbases north of Damascus, which, according to Israeli intelligence, housed fighter squadrons, missile storage facilities, and rocket launchers. Israel also claimed to have struck weapons factories in Homs, including the main Scud missile production facility, and to have destroyed 90% of Syria’s strategic weapons.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the deployment of Israeli troops in the southern Syrian demilitarized zone on thursday, asserting that the move was necessary to ensure Israel’s security.
Israel Strikes Near Damascus as Assad Regime Crumbles: An Expert Analysis
Today, we’re joined by dr. Sarah Cohen, an expert on Middle Eastern geopolitics at the center for Strategic Studies, for an in-depth look at the escalating situation in Syria. Dr. Cohen, Israel has launched dozens of airstrikes in the wake of the Assad regime’s collapse. What are the strategic motivations behind these strikes?
Dr. Cohen: This is a complex situation with multiple angles.Following the collapse of the Assad regime, security concerns for Israel are heightened, particularly regarding the potential fall of advanced weaponry into the wrong hands.
israel has consistently expressed concerns about Iran’s influence in Syria and the potential transfer of complex weapons systems like missiles and chemical weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon, posing a direct threat to Israel’s northern border.
These airstrikes appear to be a preemptive measure, designed to eliminate these threats before they materialize. Targeting weapons depots, production facilities, and strategic airfields sends a clear message to Iran, Hezbollah, and other actors in the region that Israel will not tolerate any action that compromises its security.
We’ve seen reports that key installations, including the T4 airbase, were targeted. Can you elaborate on the significance of these targets?
Dr. Cohen: The T4 airbase, also known as the Tiyas Military Airbase, has been a major hub for Iranian activity in Syria. It has been used to house Iranian-supplied weapons and personnel,and has reportedly been used for drone operations. Striking this base directly undermines Iran’s operational capacity in Syria and sends a clear signal of Israel’s determination to curb their influence.
The Scud missile production facility in Homs, if truly destroyed, is another significant blow. This limits Syria’s ability to develop and deploy long-range ballistic missiles, which could pose a threat to Israel in the future.
Israel has also deployed troops into the demilitarized zone along the Syrian border. What implications does this have for regional stability?
Dr. Cohen: The deployment of troops into the demilitarized zone is a provocative move, which likely aims to secure Israeli border areas and establish a buffer zone against potential threats. However, it also raises concerns about escalating tensions with other actors in the region, particularly Russia, who have a military presence in Syria.
it is crucial that Israel coordinates its actions with international partners, especially the United States and Russia, to avoid miscalculations and prevent a wider conflict.
The situation in Syria is fluid and unpredictable. The collapse of the Assad regime creates a vacuum that will likely be filled by various factions vying for control. Israel’s actions reflect an attempt to navigate this complex landscape and protect its own interests. However, the long-term consequences of these actions remain to be seen.