Israeli Airstrikes Target Multiple Locations in Syria
By Kardo Roj
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Israeli airstrikes targeted several locations in Syria on Wednesday evening, including Damascus, Hama, and the countryside of Homs, according to Syrian state media.
Among the sites hit was a scientific research facility located in the Masaken Barzeh neighborhood of Damascus, a location that has previously been struck in Israeli operations against alleged military-linked installations.
Shortly after the strike in Damascus, loud explosions were heard at Hama Military Airport, reportedly following another Israeli attack. Syrian media sources also reported explosions in the vicinity of the Tiyas Military Airbase (T4) in Homs countryside, a site that has been previously targeted due to its strategic significance.
The latest airstrikes come amid heightened tensions in the region. Israel has repeatedly conducted aerial operations inside Syria, claiming to target Iranian-linked military assets and weapons shipments to Hezbollah.
This escalation also coincides with reports suggesting that Turkey is making efforts to establish a military presence at the T4 airbase. According to a report by Middle East Eye on Tuesday, Ankara has initiated construction at the base and is preparing to deploy air defense systems. The potential Turkish presence at the airbase could add another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation in Syria.
Israel has previously signaled opposition to any foreign military expansion that might challenge its air dominance in the region. An unnamed Israeli security official told The Jerusalem Post earlier this week that any Turkish military activity in T4 could be perceived as a strategic threat.
The Masaken Barzeh research facility has been struck in previous Israeli operations due to alleged connections to weapons development. The T4 Airbase, located near Palmyra in Homs province, has been a frequent target of Israeli airstrikes in the past due to its use by Iranian-backed groups and the Syrian military.
The Syrian Ministry of Defense has yet to provide an official statement regarding casualties or the extent of the damage. However, Syrian state media claimed that air defense systems engaged some of the incoming missiles.
The airstrikes underscore the continued instability in Syrian airspace, with multiple foreign actors involved. With Turkey potentially expanding its military footprint in Syria, and Israel maintaining its security operations, the risk of further confrontations remains high.
Observers suggest that these developments could shape the broader power dynamics in Syria, as external actors seek to secure strategic footholds amid ongoing regional conflicts. The role of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in ensuring security and stability in the northeast remains crucial, particularly as tensions escalate elsewhere in the country.
As regional actors continue to assert their influence in Syria, further military escalations are likely. The Israeli airstrikes and Turkey’s reported moves at T4 highlight the growing competition for control over key strategic assets, potentially setting the stage for broader geopolitical shifts in the Syrian conflict.