Tuesday, December 10, 2024

IDF basically blows away Syrian navy in Latakia


The Israeli Navy executed a significant operation on Monday night, effectively targeting and obliterating much of the Syrian regime's naval fleet. Israeli missile ships attacked numerous vessels equipped with anti-ship missiles at the ports of Al-Baida and Latakia. The operation's objective was to prevent these weapons from falling into the hands of hostile entities, such as the Salafist rebels who have recently taken control in Syria.

Concurrently, reports from both Reuters and the Hezbollah-associated Lebanese network Al-Mayadeen suggested that IDF units had moved beyond the buffer zone and deep into Syrian territory, a claim the IDF vehemently denied. According to regional and Syrian security sources, Israeli forces are now located approximately 15.5 miles from Damascus, with some units having reached Qatana, about 6.2 miles inside Syrian borders, east of the buffer zone.

Al-Mayadeen also claimed that IDF troops had taken control of at least nine villages and towns in the southern rural areas of Damascus, roughly 12 miles from the capital. However, a Syrian opposition-affiliated channel refuted this, stating that Israel does not control any villages in the Syrian Hermon region.

"Israeli warplanes launched over 100 strikes... including on the Barzeh scientific research centre," reported the UK-based Observatory for Human Rights. Western nations, including the United States, had previously attacked the same facility in 2018, alleging it was part of Syria's "chemical weapons infrastructure."

In response to these reports, IDF Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee dismissed them as “completely false,” clarifying that IDF units are confined to the buffer zone, maintaining defensive positions near the border to protect Israel's security.


AFP confirmed that a “scientific research center” in Damascus, linked to Bashar al-Assad’s chemical weapons program, was completely obliterated by Israeli airstrikes. Additionally, the pro-Iranian Iraqi-affiliated Sabrin news agency reported the assassination of a chemist at his home in Damascus.

During a UN Security Council meeting, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon defended the military actions, stating they were "limited and temporary measures." He said, "Israel is not interfering in the ongoing conflict between armed groups within Syria. Our actions are solely focused on ensuring our security, and we remain committed to the 1974 disengagement agreement."

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, in a briefing to foreign media on Monday, explained that the IDF operations near the border were intended to prevent a scenario akin to the events of October 7 from unfolding in Syria. "What guides us is safeguarding the security of Israel and its citizens,” Sa’ar emphasized.

The reported advancement of IDF armored forces has sparked international condemnation. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry accused Israel of “destroying Syria’s chance to restore security,” while Egypt described the operations as an “occupation of Syrian lands.” Conversely, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller characterized the Israeli actions as a "temporary measure" in response to Syrian military movements, stating, "Ultimately, we want to see full adherence to the disengagement agreement, and we will ensure Israel follows through."

The IDF continues its forward defense operations in the buffer zone, deploying forces across strategic locations to counter potential threats. This follows proactive measures initiated to secure Israeli communities in the Golan Heights amid the collapse of Assad’s regime. Engineering, infantry, and armored units from the 474th and 810th Brigades are stationed along the Israel-Syria border to defend the area.

In a historic move, Israeli forces crossed into Syrian territory two days ago, seizing control of the Syrian side of Mount Hermon for the first time in over 50 years. Air Force commando units captured the summit, which provides crucial observation and fire control over the Hermon range, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen Israel’s position in the region.

Moreover, residents in five Syrian villages near the border were advised to stay indoors due to ongoing IDF operations. The Israeli Air Force has conducted over 300 airstrikes on military targets across Syria, with a focus on Syrian Air Force infrastructure. Western intelligence sources suggest these strikes are aimed at destroying Assad’s military assets to prevent them from being captured by rebel forces who might use them against Israel.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Jake Tapper's vilification of Fox News may kick him in the butt in CNN defamation trial

CNN anchor Jake Tapper's criticism of Fox News might come back to haunt the network during an upcoming defamation lawsuit. This lawsuit ...