Israeli special forces allegedly conducted a raid on an Iranian missile production facility in the Masyaf area of Syria earlier this week. Middle East expert Eva J. Koulouriotis, citing a security source, stated that Israeli ground forces entered the facility, extracted documents and equipment, and subsequently destroyed the site with explosives.
The facility, reportedly associated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), is said to have manufactured ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for Hezbollah and the Syrian military. Koulouriotis indicated that the operation began with airstrikes on roads leading to the site, located six kilometers southwest of Masyaf, preventing reinforcements from reaching the facility. Special forces were then deployed via helicopters, supported by drones and combat helicopters. These reports mark the first time allegations have surfaced that Israeli troops were present on the ground during such an operation.
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Israeli ground forces targeted an Iranian missile production facility in Syria. IDF Special forces infiltrated the site, extracted critical equipment and documents, planted explosives, and demolished the facility, all while retreating under the… https://t.co/oWQSwxWZbD pic.twitter.com/Jbtz5z8psu
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Earlier reports from Syrian media also mentioned Israeli airstrikes on military sites in central Syria late Sunday, which resulted in at least 14 deaths and 43 injuries. The strikes reportedly targeted a scientific research center in Masyaf, which has long been linked to chemical weapons production and precision missile development. T
Masyaf, west of Hama, has been a frequent target of Israeli strikes in recent years due to its strategic significance as a base for Iranian forces and pro-Iranian militias. The Scientific Studies and Research Center (CERS) located there has been previously linked by Western officials to the development of chemical weapons, although Syria denies these allegations.
Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement, consistent with its policy of refraining from public acknowledgment of military operations in Syria. Since the Syrian civil war began in 2011, Israel has launched numerous strikes aimed at preventing Iranian military entrenchment and halting arms transfers to Hezbollah.Â
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