Israeli Air Force strikes Syrian military posts, air defense systems in overnight attacks

The Israeli Air Force struck positions of the Syrian army in three separate locations late Monday evening, according to Syrian state-affiliated media.

While there was no official confirmation of Israel’s responsibility, on Tuesday, sources told Israeli media outlets that Israel was behind the attacks, which targeted air defense systems of the Syrian military, intending to prevent their restoration.

Strikes were reported in the vicinity of Homs, in central Syria, the coastal city of Latakia, and the city of Palmyra, in the eastern part of the country. There were no details about possible victims or the extent of the damage.

According to a report by the Saudi Al-Hadath channel, the overnight strikes in Homs targeted missile depots and air defense equipment, including Turkish-made weapons that were transferred there only recently.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry sharply condemned the Israeli strikes as “a blatant infringement” of its sovereignty as well as regional stability, claiming they were part of an ongoing series of escalations.

The Jordanian Foreign Ministry joined in the condemnation, calling the strikes “A blatant violation of international law and Syrian sovereignty, amid dangerous escalation and damage to Syria’s stability and security.”

The Israeli strikes come against the background of ongoing negotiations over de-escalation and possible security arrangements between the two countries, which are sponsored by the U.S.

The current Syrian government toppled the Assad regime in December of last year. At this time, Israel took the opportunity to destroy nearly every piece of military equipment in the country that could potentially endanger its security.

In addition, the IDF seized the former demilitarized zone along the Golan Heights frontier, as well as the strategically important summit of Mount Hermon.

An Israeli security source told Al-Hadath that talks with Syria continue, but “when necessary, we use force.” The source added: “The new regime in Syria, under external pressure, is not interested in any serious arrangements.”

Another Israeli security source told Al-Hadath, “We insist on the demilitarization of the territory in southern Syria” and warned: “We will strike any threat, wherever it may be.”

The source also noted that Turkey is trying to drag Israel into a military confrontation: “We are not afraid of Turkey but we do not want a confrontation with it,” but added: “If necessary, we will carry out a large-scale military operation in Syria.”

Last month, the two countries signed an agreement for Turkey to modernize the Syrian military.

Turkey and Israel have also been in contact this year to prevent possible miscalculations that could lead to clashes between the two militaries in Syrian territory.