The Israeli Defense Forces on Thursday revealed details and released footage of one of its most complex commando operations to date. Carried out by 120 members of the Israeli Air Force in September, the operation successfully targeted and destroyed a key underground Iranian missile manufacturing facility deep within Syria.
DECLASSIFIED: In September 2024, before the fall of the Assad Regime, our soldiers conducted an undercover operation to dismantle an Iranian-funded underground precision missile production site in Syria.
Watch exclusive footage from this historic moment. pic.twitter.com/s0bTDNwx77
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 2, 2025
The raid struck the heavily fortified subterranean complex known as “Deep Layer” within the Scientific Studies and Research Center in the Masyaf region, west of Hama. The facility, vital to Iran’s production of precision-guided munitions for Hezbollah and the Assad regime, was a flagship project in Iran’s effort to expand its influence in the region.
The IDF had spent months gathering intelligence and meticulously planning the operation. A total of 21 fighter jets, five drones, and 14 reconnaissance aircraft were deployed to support the raid.
During the operation, which lasted for about two hours, the IDF simultaneously launched airstrikes and naval bombardments around the facility to create diversions and mask the arrival of the special forces.
Upon reaching the target, commandos infiltrated the underground complex, collecting intelligence and planting over 660 pounds of explosives to ensure the facility’s destruction. The detonation created a massive blast, reportedly felt like a “mini-earthquake” by soldiers on the ground.
At least 30 Syrian soldiers guarding the facility were killed while none of the 120 Israeli soldiers involved sustained any injuries.
The raid occurred while Syrian President Bashar al-Assad remained in power and Iran maintained a strong military presence in Syria.
The “Deep Layer” was built between 230 and 430 feet underground, making it impervious to conventional airstrikes. Its destruction marked a significant blow to Iran’s ambitions to arm Hezbollah with advanced weaponry.
The mission was part of Israel’s broader strategy to disrupt Iranian military projects in the region.
