Reports from major outlets, including Axios and The New York Times, have shed light on a covert Israeli special forces raid earlier this week, targeting what is believed to be a Iran-linked missile production facility in Syria.
The operation allegedly took place near Masyaf, around 40 kilometers north of the Lebanese border. According to sources cited by Axios, the raid was carried out by the Israeli Air Force’s elite Shaldag unit, marking an unusual ground incursion by Israeli forces into Syrian territory.
The New York Times reports that Israeli special forces descended from helicopters, planted explosives inside the underground facility, and retrieved sensitive intelligence, dealing a significant blow to Iran’s efforts to produce precision missiles in the region. The target, reportedly an Iranian-built facility, was said to have been under Israeli surveillance for more than five years as part of an operation codenamed “Deep Layer.”
This particular site, believed to be built by Iran for the production of precision medium-range missiles, was reportedly designed to withstand airstrikes, prompting the need for a direct ground assault. The facility, constructed after a series of Israeli strikes in 2018 destroyed much of Iran’s missile production infrastructure in Syria, was intended to be impenetrable by air.
Syrian state media initially reported that airstrikes on Sunday night had targeted a research facility in Masyaf, previously associated with the development of chemical weapons and precision missiles by Syrian and Iranian forces. The strikes killed at least 18 people and wounded dozens more, with Syrian authorities condemning the attacks as “blatant aggression.” Meanwhile, Iranian officials have also condemned the strike, calling it a “criminal” action. Both the Axios and NYT reported that these airstrikes were designed to serve as a cover for the Shaldag unit’s ground operation, drawing attention away from the raid itself while also preventing Syrian reinforcements from responding to the infiltration.
BREAKING NEWS
• During an airstrike on Masyaf, Syria, Israeli special forces were dropped into the area by helicopters.
• They entered a facility and captured 2 to 4 Iranian officers along with secret documents, according to Syria TV.pic.twitter.com/PktGijAJvi
— Bharat Spectrum (@BharatSpectrum) September 12, 2024
Axios also reports that Israeli forces informed the Biden administration in advance of the raid, which was not opposed by the U.S. government. The Israeli government, as is typical, has not confirmed its role in the attack.
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