The Israeli military announced on Wednesday that it has conducted over 400 airstrikes in Syria in the past 48 hours, targeting strategic military assets. This operation comes just days after Syrian rebels forced President Bashar al-Assad to flee the country, ending his 24-year rule.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the strikes aimed to neutralize critical weapon stockpiles and prevent them from falling into the hands of terrorist organizations. The targets included naval vessels, anti-aircraft batteries, missile facilities, and weapons production sites across key Syrian cities, including Damascus.
Key Assets Destroyed
In its statement, the IDF revealed that approximately 70-80 percent of Syria’s strategic military assets were destroyed. Among the key assets targeted were:
- 15 naval vessels at the Al-Bayda and Latakia ports.
- Dozens of sea-to-sea missiles with ranges of 80-190 km, capable of significant destruction.
- Strategic missiles including Scud, cruise, and surface-to-air variants.
- Aircraft and drones, such as fighter jets, attack helicopters, and UAVs.
- Military infrastructure, including radars, tanks, and weapons hangars.
The IDF stated that the operation was vital to ensuring regional security.
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Netanyahu Hails Assad’s Fall
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the ousting of Assad as a “historic day in the Middle East.” He referred to Assad’s regime as a “central link in Iran’s axis of evil” and claimed the recent developments as a direct consequence of Israel’s offensive against Iran and Hezbollah, Assad’s primary backers.
“This is a chain reaction across the Middle East, empowering those seeking to break free from this oppressive regime,” Netanyahu said in a video address.
Assad’s Downfall and Regional Implications
The collapse of Assad’s regime marks the end of over five decades of leadership by the Assad family. A rebel offensive, launched on November 27, quickly overran government strongholds, culminating in Assad fleeing to Russia on Sunday.
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In recent months, Israel has escalated its military operations, targeting senior commanders from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hamas, and Hezbollah. The latest strikes appear to be part of Israel’s broader strategy to weaken Iranian influence in the region.
With Assad’s fall, regional dynamics are expected to shift significantly, as Syrian rebels now hold power after decades of authoritarian rule under the Assad family. The situation remains fluid, with geopolitical tensions rising in the Middle East.
