Assad Regime’s Military
Following a significant 48-hour bombing campaign, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Tuesday that it had destroyed a substantial portion of the former Bashar al-Assad regime’s strategic military capabilities.
This operation aimed to prevent advanced weaponry from falling into the hands of hostile forces amid Syria’s ongoing instability.
According to the IDF, over 350 strikes were carried out by its Air Force and Navy under “Operation Bashan Arrow,” targeting “strategic sites” across Syria.
The strikes resulted in the destruction of 70-80% of the Assad regime’s military infrastructure, including long-range projectiles, Scud missiles, cruise missiles, coast-to-sea missiles, air defense systems, fighter jets, helicopters, radars, and tanks. Many chemical weapons facilities were also destroyed.
The campaign, which began late Saturday, first neutralized Syrian air defenses to ensure operational freedom for Israeli aircraft.
Subsequently, airstrikes targeted weapon depots, airbases, and production sites in Damascus, Homs, Tartus, Latakia, and Palmyra.
Meanwhile, Israeli Navy missile boats attacked naval vessels belonging to the former regime at Minet el-Beida Bay and Latakia port, destroying 15 ships.
The Assad regime collapsed on Sunday following a rapid offensive by rebel forces. As an ally of Iran, Syria had served as a conduit for weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has been in a fragile ceasefire with Israel.
The IDF expressed concerns that the former Syrian army’s weapons could fall into the hands of jihadist groups or Iran-backed forces, prompting the military’s proactive measures.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that Israel’s actions were defensive and aimed at ensuring national security.
While Israel signaled readiness to establish relations with Syria’s new regime, Netanyahu warned that any hostility or collaboration with Iran would prompt a strong Israeli response.
Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed this stance, emphasizing Israel’s commitment to removing any threats from its borders.
Israel also clarified that its ground forces remained within the buffer zone established in 1974 in the Golan Heights and had not advanced toward Damascus, dismissing media claims to the contrary.
The buffer zone’s seizure was described as a temporary measure to safeguard Israeli borders. The IDF assured the UN Security Council that the strikes were not an intervention in Syria’s internal conflict but a necessary step to protect Israel’s security.
The military has indicated that airstrikes will continue over the coming days to secure its objectives.
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