IDF strikes Assad's strategic weapons depots to keep the rebels from capturing them

The IDF launched dozens of strikes across Syria on Sunday, using intelligence from the Military Intelligence Directorate, the Mossad, and Air Force Intelligence after the collapse of the Assad regime.

The IDF stated they were aiming to decrease the large stockpiles of ammunition held by the Syrian military.

This was one of the most significant days for the IAF since the war began.

According to foreign sources, the IAF conducted over a hundred attack sorties in Syria, hitting hundreds of targets in what were once the Syrian army's weapons depots. The operations were directed from the air force's bunker by Air Force Commander Maj.-Gen. Tomer Bar.

According to Syrian media, the Air Force first targeted the anti-aircraft batteries abandoned by Assad's forces, who were retreating from the rebels. The Air Force aimed to eliminate any threats to their aircraft right from the start of the operation, quickly gaining total control of the skies over Syria.

Their mission was to strike weapons depots that housed surface-to-surface missiles, anti-tank missiles, tanks, heavy artillery, and other significant weapon stores.

Israel is concerned that these weapons could fall into the hands of groups affiliated with ISIS or Hezbollah.

The Air Force also hit border crossings between Syria and Lebanon after spotting movements from Syria into Lebanon.

Simultaneously, according to reports from Lebanon and Syria, the air force attacked a convoy of about one hundred vehicles, some armored, moving from Syria into Lebanon. These reports suggest it was a convoy of Hezbollah forces retreating from Al Qusayr in Syria's Shiite region back to Lebanon after Homs and other local towns were taken by rebels.

It was also reported that Israel bombed the scientific research center in Damascus, known for developing chemical weapons and ballistic missiles.

Later in the day, Syria reported, "Israel carried out two attacks on the military airports in Al-Maza and Khalahla."

It seems "strategic" weapons were destroyed to prevent them from being captured by rebels. The Russian Sputnik news agency reported that "the Israeli air force attacked all military airports in Damascus and its suburbs and in the southern region."

Two hours later, Syrian reports mentioned another wave of Israeli attacks on Damascus. Reuters noted, "Israel bombed the scientific research center in Damascus where chemical weapons and ballistic missile programs are managed."

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