Israel is set to intensify its military operations in Syria, specifically targeting advanced weapons storage sites. This decision comes after concerns over the possibility of these weapons falling into the hands of militant groups, particularly after the rapid collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s government.
Israeli officials have indicated that airstrikes will continue in the coming days to prevent such an outcome.
The Israeli Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has made it clear that the military has been instructed to destroy a variety of strategic weapons throughout Syria.
These include surface-to-air missiles, air defence systems, cruise missiles, long-range rockets, and coastal missiles. The goal is to weaken the military capabilities of groups operating within Syria, some of which may pose a direct threat to Israel and its interests.
Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar reported that militants had violated the Agreement on Disengagement, a 1974 treaty between Israel and Syria.
These militants crossed into the buffer zone that separates the two nations and attacked positions held by the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), which monitors the agreement near the border.
In response to this escalation, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) launched a targeted operation to regain control of areas near the border.
In addition to these operations, Israel has taken steps to neutralise several key weapons systems within Syria. The IDF has specifically targeted sites associated with strategic weapons, chemical weapons capabilities, and long-range missile stockpiles.
The primary aim is to ensure these advanced weapons do not fall into the hands of extremist elements, potentially exacerbating the already volatile situation in the region.
Despite these aggressive actions, Israeli officials have reiterated that their military operations are not intended to interfere with Syria’s internal politics.
Rather, they view these measures as a necessary step to protect Israel's security and to prevent Syria’s weapons from being used by hostile forces.
According to Sa’ar, Israel’s military focus remains on its own defensive needs rather than any desire to influence the political landscape within Syria.
The Israel Defence Forces have also stepped up their presence in the demilitarised buffer zone between Israel and Syria. Paratroopers have been stationed at strategic vantage points to keep an eye on developments along the border.
Recently, the IDF has conducted a series of airstrikes targeting weapons systems, including anti-aircraft systems, in a bid to neutralise these threats. These airstrikes have taken out dozens of targets, with the Israeli military claiming significant success in its operations.
As part of their strategy, Israel has deployed additional troops and military equipment along the Golan Heights border, a region that has long been a flashpoint for tensions between the two countries. Commando units and other forces have established new land barriers to reinforce security.
In a notable development, the IDF has also seized a Syrian army outpost on Mount Hermon, which has been a strategic position for Syrian forces in the region.
The operations have extended beyond just military sites. According to reports from Israeli state-owned Kan TV, Syrian army outposts and weapon storage facilities have been abandoned and destroyed.
Meanwhile, the UN peacekeepers, part of the UNDOF mission, have not evacuated the area despite the escalating military activities.
On the ground in Syria, airstrikes have been reported targeting various weapon storage locations in key areas, including Ain Menin in the al-Tal region, al-Qarah in Rural Damascus, and depots near the town of Mahja in Daraa province.
These attacks, which lasted for hours, also targeted tunnels that were believed to connect Syria to Lebanon. The extensive nature of these strikes suggests Israel’s determination to disrupt any attempts to move weapons or other military assets between the two countries.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also addressed the situation in a video statement, confirming that he ordered the military to temporarily take control of strategic positions to prevent weapons from falling into the hands of extremist groups.
His statement highlighted the collapse of the 1974 UN-monitored agreement between Israel and Syria, a development that has intensified security concerns.
Further complicating the situation, Syrian media outlets have reported that Muhammad al-Bashir, the head of the Syrian Salvation Government, has been tasked with forming a new government in Syria.
This new development indicates the ongoing instability within the country, as the government faces mounting challenges from opposition forces.
In the coming days, Israel is expected to continue its airstrikes and military operations in Syria as part of its broader strategy to secure its borders and prevent the spread of advanced weaponry to militant groups.
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