The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a wave of coordinated airstrikes on key Syrian military installations on Sunday, following the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
According to the IDF, the strikes were conducted as part of efforts to dismantle strategic weapon systems, including surface-to-air missiles, long-range rockets, and any residual chemical weaponry.
🚨 Breaking: In over 300 targeted strikes during the past 24 hours, Israel 🇮🇱 destroyed the entire air force of Syria 🇸🇾, including all aircrafts (MiG and Sukhoi), all helicopters, and all anti-aircraft systems. pic.twitter.com/G12q8SIjwD
— Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) December 9, 2024
Israeli aircraft targeted at least three major air bases: Qamishli Airbase in northeastern Syria, Shinshar Base near Homs, and Aqrba Airport southwest of Damascus. These facilities, which housed helicopters and fighter jets, were critical to the Syrian military’s operations before Assad’s overthrow.
Israeli air strikes in Latakia targeting the Syrian Navy.
Israel has also taken advantage of the Syrian Regime fall by capturing Golan Heights, with Netanyahu declaring that they will “never withdraw”. pic.twitter.com/S7BAOXHzxZ
— FUNKER530 (@FunkerActual) December 9, 2024
JUST IN🚨
New footage of IDF strikes targeting naval infrastructure and equipment at the port of Latakia in Syria.
Via @inside_IL_intel pic.twitter.com/wblGwnCZ8d
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) December 9, 2024
In addition to the air bases, Israeli forces struck a military research center on the outskirts of Damascus and an electronic warfare facility near the Sayeda Zainab area.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized the strategic intent behind the airstrikes, saying that such actions were necessary to prevent extremist groups from seizing heavy weapons in Syria’s post-Assad power vacuum. “We will destroy heavy strategic weapons throughout Syria,” Katz said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the significance of the operation, stating: “We are taking all the actions necessary to ensure our security in regard to the new situation in Syria.”
Israeli officials said the operations of this magnitude would likely continue in the coming days.
The U.S. Central Command also reported parallel airstrikes on Islamic State positions in central Syria after Assad’s regime was toppled. The operation, which targeted over 75 ISIS-linked locations using advanced fighter jets and bombers, sought to prevent the group from exploiting the current instability to reassert itself.
U.S. leaders, including President Joe Biden, have confirmed coordination with regional allies, such as Israel, Jordan, and Lebanon, to prevent any resurgence of extremist activity or the proliferation of chemical weapons.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force reported Israeli ground forces entering a demilitarized buffer zone near the Golan Heights, an area established under the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement.
Israeli officials described this move as temporary and aimed at ensuring border stability amid growing concerns about security gaps along Israel’s frontier with Syria. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric confirmed the Israeli presence and stated that discussions were underway to address the situation.
