Israeli forces targeted sites within the Syrian Mediterranean ports of Latakia and Al-Bayda.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported strikes against Syrian naval assets, citing the fall of Damascus to opposition forces and the Assad regime’s collapse as the impetus for the action.
IDF warships launched missile attacks on Latakia and Al-Bayda over the previous 48 hours, the IDF announced Tuesday. Fifteen Syrian naval vessels were reportedly present in the ports during the attacks.
“Dozens of sea-to-sea missiles with ranges of 80-190 km were destroyed,” the IDF stated on X, accompanying the announcement with a video of the strikes on unspecified targets.
⭕ In 48 hours, the IDF struck most of the strategic weapons stockpiles in Syria to prevent them from falling into the hands of terrorist elements. 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻:
⚓ Naval Operations: Israeli Navy missile ships struck 2 Syrian Navy facilities…
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF)
Al Jazeera published images of what it identified as destroyed Syrian Navy ships. An AFP correspondent in Latakia reported smoke rising from at least three Soviet-era vessels equipped with machine guns and missile launchers.
Syrian navy ships in Latakia destroyed by Israeli attacks.
🔴 LIVE updates:
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that he authorized the IDF to “bomb strategic military capabilities left by the Syrian army, to prevent them from falling into the hands of jihadists.”
Israeli forces previously advanced from the Golan Heights further into Syria, expanding the territory under their control since 1967. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated the IDF intends to establish a “sterile defense zone” in southern Syria to counter “terrorist groups” exploiting the chaos and threatening Israel.
Arab nations and Turkey denounced the Israeli operations, with Saudi Arabia arguing that the IDF actions are further destabilizing the war-torn country.
Syria’s situation drastically shifted earlier this month when a coalition of anti-Assad forces, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) jihadists, launched a rapid offensive, capturing all previously government-held cities. Other groups, including the US-backed Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), capitalized on the government army’s collapse to expand their influence.
Russia reported its air base near Latakia is on high alert, stating there was no immediate threat to its troops. According to TASS, the Syrian opposition is communicating with Russian officials and has assured the safety of Russian diplomats and military personnel.
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