Israeli Airstrikes on Syria Target Latakia Port and Military Sites Near Damascus
By Kardo Roj
LATTAKIA, Syria (North Press) – Late Monday evening, Israeli airstrikes targeted the port of Latakia on Syria’s western coast and several military locations near Damascus, marking a significant escalation in the wake of Bashar al-Assad’s fall.
Strikes on Strategic Facilities
Eyewitnesses reported that the Israeli strikes hit the Latakia port, a key facility housing the Syrian army’s naval fleet. According to a North Press correspondent, the area had been largely evacuated following Assad’s removal from power on Sunday morning, preventing any casualties.
Simultaneously, missiles struck the Ya’four area in the Damascus countryside, targeting properties linked to the Assad family and the Fourth Division. These include vacation residences reportedly owned by the former president, his brother Maher al-Assad, and relatives, as well as weapon depots under the control of the elite military unit.
Further, Israeli forces launched approximately ten missiles at the Scientific Research Center in Damascus, a controversial site linked to chemical weapons development and advanced military projects.
Strategic Context of the Strikes
These attacks come amid a volatile period in Syria following the abrupt collapse of Assad’s regime. Analysts suggest the strikes are part of a broader Israeli strategy to neutralize military capabilities in Syria as the country transitions to new leadership.
Ashraf Akka, an expert in international relations, explained to North Press that the airstrikes appear designed to “deny the nascent governing authorities in Syria any military leverage, including advanced weaponry or infrastructure that could shift regional power dynamics.”
Impacts on the Region
The port of Latakia is a critical hub for Syrian and allied forces. It has frequently been used to transport military equipment from Iran, a close ally of Assad’s regime, to Syria and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon. Its targeting underscores Israel’s ongoing concerns about Iran’s entrenchment in Syria and the potential transfer of advanced weaponry to hostile groups.
The Ya’four and Damascus sites, central to Syria’s former military elite, hold symbolic and strategic importance. The strikes on these locations signal Israel’s intent to dismantle remnants of the Assad regime’s military infrastructure.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses in Ya’four described hearing multiple explosions and seeing plumes of smoke rising from properties believed to house weapons depots.
“We saw flashes in the sky and loud booms coming from the direction of the Assad family’s compounds,” said a local resident.
Israel’s Military Doctrine
Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes in Syria over the years, targeting Iranian and Hezbollah forces. These actions are part of what Israel refers to as its “campaign between wars” strategy, aimed at weakening its adversaries without provoking a full-scale conflict.
The recent strikes come at a pivotal moment for Syria as the country grapples with political instability and security vacuums. Israel has not officially commented on the latest operations, in line with its policy of ambiguity regarding military actions in Syria.
No Casualties Reported
Despite the high-profile nature of the targeted sites, reports confirm there were no casualties, as many areas had been evacuated amidst the regime’s collapse. The timing of the strikes appears to coincide with the disarray in Syrian military ranks, minimizing the risk of a direct confrontation.
Call for International Attention
The escalation highlights the fragility of the post-Assad landscape in Syria. Human rights advocates and political analysts have called for international oversight to prevent further destabilization and ensure that power vacuums do not lead to unchecked violence.