Israel’s Operation Bashan Arrow Cripples 80% of Syria’s Military Capabilities
Israel Launches Massive Airstrikes Across Syria, Crippling Assad Regime
DAMASCUS – In a stunning display of military force, Israeli forces conducted a large-scale operation across Syria on Tuesday, december 10, 2024, dubbed ”Bashan Arrow.” Israeli officials claim the operation has crippled 70% to 80% of the strategic capabilities of the Bashar al-Assad regime.
The operation, approved by Israel’s political-security cabinet, began late last week following intelligence reports suggesting the imminent collapse of the Assad regime.
IDF Chief of Staff hertzi Halevi confirmed the operation’s commencement after visiting Ramat HaGolan, where ground forces secured a buffer zone. Together, a wave of airstrikes involving 350 Israeli aircraft targeted key Syrian military installations, inflicting meaningful damage on the Syrian Air Force.
Over the course of the operation, over 320 strategic targets were destroyed, ranging from facilities in the Syrian capital of damascus to the coastal city of Tartus, Syria’s second-largest port.The primary objective of “Bashan Arrow” was to prevent weapons left behind by retreating Syrian forces from falling into the hands of rebel groups.
Israeli aircraft flew hundreds of sorties over Syrian airspace, carrying out over 350 airstrikes.The targets included dozens of fighter jets, surface-to-air missile batteries, surface-to-surface missiles, drones, rockets, coastal-to-sea missiles, Scud missiles, radar systems, and numerous weapons production sites.
On Monday night, Israeli warships launched a coordinated attack on two Syrian naval facilities, where 15 Syrian warships were docked.Dozens of coastal-to-sea missiles with substantial explosive payloads and ranges of 80-190 kilometers were destroyed. The IDF also targeted several suspected chemical weapons depots.
As of tuesday evening, ground operations by Israeli forces in the buffer zone were ongoing.
Israel’s “Bashan Arrow” – A Knockout Blow to Assad?
NewsDirectory3.com – Exclusive Interview with Middle East Analyst Dr. Aliyah Khalil
Following Israel’s surprise “Bashan Arrow” operation, which saw extensive airstrikes across Syria targeting key Assad regime assets, we spoke to renowned Middle East analyst Dr.Aliyah Khalil to understand the ramifications of this unprecedented military action.
ND3: Dr. khalil, the scale and intensity of ”Bashan Arrow” are staggering. What are your initial thoughts on its impact on the Assad regime?
Dr. Khalil: The operation is undoubtedly a major blow to the Assad regime. israel claims to have crippled 70% to 80% of their strategic capabilities. while verifying the exact extent of the damage is arduous at this stage, the sheer number of targets hit suggests a significant setback for Assad’s military.
ND3: What strategic objectives do you beleive Israel aimed to achieve with “Bashan Arrow”?
Dr. Khalil: The Israeli government has stated its aim was to prevent weapons from falling into the wrong hands as the Assad regime weakens. This suggests concerns about arms proliferation to militant groups like Hezbollah. Additionally, by degrading the Syrian Air force, Israel might be attempting to secure its northern border and limit Iran’s influence in the region.
ND3: Could you elaborate on the potential ramifications of this operation for the broader Syrian conflict?
Dr. Khalil: “bashan Arrow” throws a significant wrench into the already complex Syrian situation. A weakened Assad regime could embolden rebel groups, leading to renewed fighting and instability. The potential vacuum created by assad’s weakened state also risks drawing in other regional powers vying for influence.
ND3: What are the potential diplomatic consequences of this operation?
Dr. Khalil: This is a high-risk, high-reward gamble for Israel. While it possibly secures its immediate interests, it also risks escalation and condemnation from the international community. How other players, particularly Russia, react to “Bashan Arrow” will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of this operation.
ND3: Thank you for your insightful analysis, Dr. Khalil. We’ll continue to follow developments closely.