In recent days, Israel launched a major wave of airstrikes across Syria, targeting key military sites, including air defense systems, missile depots, and weapons production facilities in cities like Damascus. The Israeli military reported carrying out over 350 strikes in 48 hours, aiming to prevent weapons from falling into the hands of extremist groups.
Alongside these airstrikes, Israeli missile ships attacked two Syrian naval facilities, destroying at least six Soviet-era missile ships. Israel also announced that it had destroyed Syria’s navy as part of its broader military objectives.
Israel’s military operations were centered around the buffer zone it has occupied in Syria for over five decades, following the 1973 Middle East war. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the country’s plans to establish a demilitarized zone in southern Syria to remove weapons and terrorist threats.
The area, near the Golan Heights, would not feature a permanent Israeli presence but aims to protect Israel from terrorist activity and to prevent the transfer of arms to Hezbollah. Israel has long feared that Syria could be used as a conduit for smuggling weapons to the Lebanese militant group.
While Israel confirmed it had troops inside the buffer zone, the extent of its military presence was unclear. There were conflicting reports suggesting that Israeli forces may have advanced closer to Damascus, though the Israeli military denied such claims.
This raised concerns among observers about the possibility of a broader military escalation in a region already fraught with tensions. The proximity of Israeli forces to both the Syrian capital and Israeli territory further fueled these anxieties.
Israel Launches Major Airstrikes in Syria, Escalating Tensions Amid Shifting Power Dynamics
Meanwhile, life in Damascus, the once firmly controlled capital of Syria under President Bashar Assad, began to show signs of change following his overthrow. Many Syrians celebrated the fall of the Assad regime, expressing relief from years of oppression and fear.
The reopening of private banks and shops in areas like the Hamidiyeh market marked a return to normalcy, though there were also reports of looting and theft, particularly involving humanitarian aid. While some Syrians voiced hope for a better future, the country’s path forward remained uncertain.
The power vacuum left by Assad’s departure has been filled by Syria’s opposition, led by groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). This opposition has taken control of much of Syria, including the capital. A transitional government, headed by Mohammed al-Bashir, has been formed, with a transition period expected to last until March. Despite this, the country’s future is fraught with challenges, as questions remain about how the new leadership will handle the complex task of rebuilding and unifying the fractured nation.
Israel’s military actions in Syria drew strong condemnation from regional powers, including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. These countries accused Israel of exploiting the turmoil in Syria and violating international law with its military incursions.
The United Nations also voiced concerns, stating that Israel’s actions breached the 1974 disengagement agreement, which was designed to keep forces separated along the Israeli-Syrian border. The international response reflected growing unease about the potential for further instability in the region.
Despite these criticisms, Israel remained firm in its justification for the military operations, citing the need to protect its security. Israeli officials emphasized that their actions were necessary to counter potential threats from extremist groups and to maintain security in the Golan Heights.
Israel’s strategy in Syria was aimed at preventing weapons transfers and ensuring that Syria does not become a base for hostile forces. However, the ongoing military operations and the uncertain future of Syria have only complicated an already volatile situation in the region.
