Multiple reports indicate that Israeli warplanes struck over 250 military sites within Syria.
News outlets report a large-scale Israeli attack on Syrian targets. Warplanes reportedly hit at least three airports and other infrastructure following the reported collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government. While some reports claim Israeli tanks crossed the border buffer zone and advanced toward Damascus, the Israeli government denies this.
An Israeli security source stated to Israeli Army Radio that over 250 military targets were attacked, calling it one of the largest air force operations in history.
These targets allegedly included Assad regime bases, numerous fighter jets, surface-to-air missile systems, production facilities, warehouses, and surface-to-surface missiles.
The Jerusalem Post, citing Syrian security sources, reported that airstrikes targeted the Qamishli airbase (near the Turkish border), the Shinshar base (near the Lebanese border), and Aqaba airport (southwest of Damascus).
Further attacks reportedly hit a research center and an electronic warfare center near Damascus. Al Mayadeen also reported Israeli strikes on defense factories in southern Aleppo province.
Local media outlets reported Israeli tanks approaching Damascus; however, the Israeli military denied this. An Israeli defense official told RT that reports of tank advancements toward Damascus are false, stating that IDF troops remain within the buffer zone.
Israel initiated these military operations after an armed opposition offensive, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, resulted in the reported collapse of the Assad government and the president’s departure to Russia.
Israel’s military secured the buffer zone established by the 1974 disengagement agreement near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described the incursion as temporary, solely for security purposes.
Conversely, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Israel’s intent to maintain permanent control over the Golan Heights (occupied since the 1967 Six-Day War), calling it an inseparable part of Israel.