Israeli airstrikes have intensified in Syria following the recent power shift to rebels, with the military aiming to cripple weapon stockpiles before they can be seized.
Israel Escalates Airstrikes in Syria Amid Rebel Takeover
Israel Escalates Airstrikes in Syria Amid Rebel Takeover
Israel targets military assets in Syria to prevent extremists from gaining control
The Israeli military has launched a series of airstrikes across Syria, intensifying its efforts to dismantle military capabilities as the rebel factions gain ground following the recent ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. Photographs released on Tuesday revealed significant destruction at various sites, including a research center linked to Syria's controversial chemical weapons program and a shipyard, which showed evidence of sunk vessels and collapsed structures.
According to Israeli officials, these military operations are part of a strategic initiative to target weapon stockpiles, including chemical munitions and long-range missiles, to thwart potential threats from new rebel leadership in Syria. The Israeli cabinet has expressed deep concerns about the radical ideologies that may drive the rebels, prompting Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to state that weapon destruction is vital to prevent such arms from falling into the hands of extremists with dangerous ambitions towards Israel.
Since Assad's abrupt departure from power, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has documented a staggering 322 Israeli strikes, aiming at a multitude of military installations including aircraft squadrons and various depots. Moreover, there are reports that Israeli forces have moved beyond a U.N.-established buffer zone for the first time since 1973, marking a significant shift in Israeli military engagement in the territory.
In addition to airstrikes, Israel's ground forces have recently advanced into this buffer zone, seizing strategic locations such as Mount Hermon, crucial for surveillance of the surrounding area. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that this military incursion is a provisional measure to safeguard Israeli territory amidst escalating regional tensions.
While Israeli officials assert the actions are aimed at immediate threats, the situation remains fragile, and the long-term impact of these strikes and military advances on the Syrian conflict and regional stability continues to be a subject of scrutiny.
According to Israeli officials, these military operations are part of a strategic initiative to target weapon stockpiles, including chemical munitions and long-range missiles, to thwart potential threats from new rebel leadership in Syria. The Israeli cabinet has expressed deep concerns about the radical ideologies that may drive the rebels, prompting Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to state that weapon destruction is vital to prevent such arms from falling into the hands of extremists with dangerous ambitions towards Israel.
Since Assad's abrupt departure from power, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has documented a staggering 322 Israeli strikes, aiming at a multitude of military installations including aircraft squadrons and various depots. Moreover, there are reports that Israeli forces have moved beyond a U.N.-established buffer zone for the first time since 1973, marking a significant shift in Israeli military engagement in the territory.
In addition to airstrikes, Israel's ground forces have recently advanced into this buffer zone, seizing strategic locations such as Mount Hermon, crucial for surveillance of the surrounding area. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that this military incursion is a provisional measure to safeguard Israeli territory amidst escalating regional tensions.
While Israeli officials assert the actions are aimed at immediate threats, the situation remains fragile, and the long-term impact of these strikes and military advances on the Syrian conflict and regional stability continues to be a subject of scrutiny.
