Israel has launched what is reportedly its largest air operation to date, targeting military assets across Syria to prevent them from falling into the hands of opposition forces.
According to Israeli Army Radio, the strikes destroyed aircraft, warships, and strategic installations, including a research facility suspected of being linked to chemical weapons production.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that more than 100 strikes were carried out on military targets. The operation was aimed at safeguarding regional stability and preventing advanced weaponry from being captured by extremist groups amid the ongoing turmoil following the reported collapse of the Assad regime.
“We are acting to ensure weapons and sensitive military infrastructure do not fall into the hands of extremists,” an Israeli military spokesperson was quoted as saying.
Local media reports identified a research center among the sites targeted, further underscoring concerns about the potential proliferation of chemical weapons. While the specific details of the strikes remain classified, the breadth and scale of the operation mark a turning point in Israel’s military activities in Syria.
Analysts note that the operation reflects Israel’s long-standing strategy of preemptive strikes to counter potential threats in the region. Israel has frequently targeted Iranian-linked assets and weapons transfers in Syria, but this operation’s unprecedented scale suggests heightened concerns over the current power vacuum and the risk of advanced military systems being acquired by hostile factions.
The Syrian government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the strikes. Observers caution that the operation could further escalate tensions in the region, with international reactions likely to follow.