Israel carried out airstrikes near the central Syrian city of Homs, causing material damage but no casualties, according to the Syrian military. Syrian air defences intercepted some of the missiles fired by Israeli warplanes over neighbouring Lebanon. In response, Israel targeted the Syrian air defence batteries responsible for launching missiles into Israeli territory.
Israeli Airstrikes and Syrian Response:
Early on Sunday, Israel conducted airstrikes on areas near Homs, as confirmed by the Syrian military. The airstrikes resulted in material damage but did not cause any casualties. Syrian state media reported that the country’s air defences successfully shot down some of the missiles launched by Israeli warplanes over Lebanon.
Retaliatory Attacks and Israeli Response:
While Israeli authorities did not comment on the specific airstrike near Homs, they confirmed that a Syrian air defence missile exploded over northern Israel without causing any damage. In response to this incident, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee stated that Israel retaliated by targeting the Syrian air defence batteries responsible for launching the missile into Israeli territory. Additionally, Israel’s warplanes attacked other undisclosed targets in the area.
Israeli Actions against Iranian Entrenchment in Syria:
Israel has a longstanding policy of preventing Iranian entrenchment in Syria, leading to numerous airstrikes in government-controlled areas in recent years. However, Israel rarely acknowledges these strikes. The country has also targeted international airports in Damascus and Aleppo, often disabling their operations.
Previous Incidents and Tensions:
The last suspected Israeli airstrike in Syria occurred on June 14 near Damascus, resulting in one soldier being wounded. Over the years, Israel has accused the Syrian military of firing anti-aircraft missiles indiscriminately in response to Israeli strikes. Although Israel does not comment on specific strikes, it has conducted hundreds of sorties against Iran-backed groups attempting to establish a foothold in Syria.
Impact of Recent Airstrikes:
Following the airstrikes near Homs, the Syrian air defense missile exploded over Israeli territory, causing minor damage in the southern city of Rahat. Israeli police and engineering specialists worked to remove the shrapnel. The incident did not trigger any sirens in Israel, but it highlighted the potential risk posed by surface-to-air missiles fired from Syria.
While there were no casualties or significant damage reported, the recent exchange of airstrikes and retaliatory attacks between Israel and Syria underscores the ongoing tensions in the region. Israel has repeatedly emphasized its commitment to preventing Iranian entrenchment near its borders. With Syria serving as a strategic foothold for Iranian influence, Israel sees the need to target government-controlled areas and disrupt weapons shipments intended for Iran-backed groups, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has been conducting covert operations in Syria for years, aiming to limit Iran’s ability to establish a military presence and transfer advanced weaponry to its proxies. These operations have involved airstrikes on military installations, intelligence facilities, and weapons depots, primarily in government-controlled areas. While Israel rarely confirms specific operations, its objective to protect national security interests remains a driving force behind its actions.
Syria, on the other hand, considers Israeli airstrikes as acts of aggression and violation of its sovereignty. The Syrian government views the presence of Iranian forces and their allied militias as essential for its stability and security. Consequently, Syria’s air defense systems have been activated numerous times in response to Israeli airstrikes, aiming to intercept and neutralize incoming missiles. However, their success in shooting down Israeli missiles has been limited.
The ongoing conflict in Syria raises concerns about the delicate balance of power between Israel and Iran. Israel sees Iran’s influence in Syria as a direct threat and will continue to take preemptive measures. Syria and its allies, including Iran and Russia, may enhance their air defence capabilities to deter Israeli incursions. Israel’s aim to prevent Iranian entrenchment has resulted in multiple strikes in government-controlled areas. While efforts are made to avoid casualties, a miscalculation could worsen the situation. Resolving the conflicts will require diplomatic efforts and a commitment to de-escalation from all parties involved.
