Israeli Air Force Launches Major Strikes On Syrian Army Targets.
The Israeli Air Force has initiated a series of significant airstrikes targeting Syrian Army positions, escalating tensions in the region. The strikes, which began earlier today, mark a sharp intensification of Israel’s military operations in Syria, aimed at neutralising perceived threats along its northern border.
According to regional reports, Israeli warplanes struck multiple military installations, including airbases and weapons depots, in southern Syria and near the capital, Damascus. The Syrian government condemned the attacks as a “blatant violation of sovereignty,” claiming they caused significant damage to military infrastructure and resulted in casualties among Syrian forces. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group, reported that the strikes hit key strategic sites, though exact casualty figures remain unconfirmed.
Israeli officials have stated that the operation, dubbed “Operation Arrow of Bashan,” is intended to prevent Syrian military assets from falling into the hands of hostile groups. This follows the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024, after which Israel launched extensive airstrikes to destroy much of Syria’s military capabilities, including its navy and chemical weapons stockpiles. The Israeli Defence Ministry described the latest strikes as a pre-emptive measure to ensure regional stability, particularly in light of concerns over the new Syrian leadership’s ties to Islamist groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.
The international community has reacted with alarm. Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, called for an immediate cessation of Israeli military actions, urging global powers to intervene. The United Nations special envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, labelled the strikes a “troubling escalation” and called for restraint to avoid further destabilisation. Turkey, a key player in Syria’s post-Assad transition, accused Israel of undermining efforts to stabilise the country, heightening fears of a broader regional conflict.
The strikes come amid ongoing Israeli operations in southern Syria, where forces have occupied a demilitarised buffer zone near the Golan Heights since late 2024. Israel has justified its presence as a temporary measure to protect its borders, particularly from potential threats posed by Syrian factions or Iranian-backed groups. However, the continued military actions have drawn criticism from local Syrian communities, with some expressing frustration that Israel’s interventions are hindering the nation’s recovery from years of civil war.
Analysts suggest that Israel’s strategy is driven by a desire to maintain a “sterile defence zone” in southern Syria, preventing any military buildup that could threaten its security. “Israel is sending a clear message to Damascus that it will not tolerate a military presence near its borders,” said Middle East expert Dr. Lina Khatib. “However, this risks alienating the new Syrian government and complicating diplomatic efforts.”
As the situation develops, the international community is closely monitoring the potential for further escalation. With Syria still rebuilding after years of conflict, the latest Israeli strikes underscore the fragile balance of power in the region and the challenges facing its new leadership.
The Syrian government has vowed to respond to what it calls “Israeli aggression,” while Israel maintains that its actions are necessary for national security. The coming days will likely prove critical in determining whether this latest flare-up can be contained or if it will spiral into a wider confrontation.