Israel Conducts 480 Airstrikes on Syria in 48 Hours Following Assad’s Ouster

Israel launched 480 airstrikes on Syria over 48 hours, targeting key military sites and weapons stockpiles, following the removal of President Bashar al-Assad. The strikes aimed to prevent strategic weapons from falling into the hands of terrorist groups, while Israeli leaders express both relief and concern over the political vacuum left by Assad's ouster.

International Politics Dec 11, 2024 0 Add to Reading List

Israel Conducts 480 Airstrikes on Syria in 48 Hours Following Assad’s Ouster

In a dramatic escalation, the Israeli military launched approximately 480 airstrikes across Syria over 48 hours, following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) described the attacks as a targeted effort to eliminate key military infrastructure in Syria, especially those assets that could be seized by hostile forces.

The IDF stated that its airstrikes had successfully destroyed a range of strategic military targets, including naval vessels, anti-aircraft systems, and weapons production sites, in major cities such as Damascus, Homs, Tartus, Latakia, and Palmyra. The military emphasized that the objective was to prevent critical weaponry from falling into the hands of terrorist groups, which could destabilize the region further.

Of the total 480 strikes, 350 were carried out by manned aircraft, which hit airfields, missile sites, drones, tanks, and fighter jets. The remaining strikes supported ground operations, targeting weapons depots, missile launchers, and firing positions. Israeli naval forces also contributed to the offensive, destroying two Syrian naval facilities and eliminating 15 docked vessels, along with a significant stockpile of sea-to-sea missiles.

This intense military action comes just days after the unexpected removal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a longtime ally of Iran and Hezbollah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remarked that the fall of Assad's regime marks a critical turning point for the Middle East. "The collapse of the Syrian regime is the result of our strategic operations against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran," Netanyahu said during a press conference. "We are reshaping the region as promised."

However, Israeli leaders have expressed concerns about the instability that Assad’s ousting may bring to Syria. While they have celebrated the removal of a key Iranian ally, there are growing fears about the potential rise of radical Islamist factions filling the vacuum of power.

In response to these concerns, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stressed the urgency of Israel’s military actions. "We are focused on preventing chemical weapons and long-range missile systems from falling into the hands of extremists," he said. "Our actions are aimed at securing Israel’s future and ensuring that these dangerous weapons do not get into the wrong hands."

As the situation in Syria continues to evolve, Israel remains on high alert, wary of the implications this power shift could have for the region’s security. The international community, too, is watching closely, as these developments could set the stage for new alliances, conflicts, and a reshaped geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.