QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Since Oct. 7, several Israeli airstrikes have targeted Damascus and Aleppo international airports, putting them completely out of service. Israel claimed that Iranian planes transport ammunition and weapons through these airports to Syria.
On the other hand, Bassel al-Assad International Airport in the coastal Latakia Governorate, western Syria, has not been subjected to any Israeli airstrikes since the beginning of the Syrian war in 2011, even though media outlets reported that Iran started sending weapons to Syria through the airport in Latakia.
Two days ago, local media in Syria reported that Iran is using the airport, which is adjacent to the Khmeimim Air Base, a Syrian airbase currently operated by Russia, to transport weapons to Syria. They pointed out that after the plane landed, four military cargo vehicles left the airport and headed towards central and southern Syria.
Since 2011, many headquarters and posts, including Damascus and Aleppo international airports, have been occasionally targeted by Israeli airstrikes, with fluctuating intensity.
Iranian presence
Abdullah al-Asaad, Director of the Rasd Center for Strategic Studies, a Syrian opposition center, told North Press that the Iranian-backed al-Nujaba militia led by Akram al-Kaabi are stationed in Aleppo International Airport and control it.”
“There is a civilian figure in charge of the airport to make it look like as an international civilian airport. However, the individual who in reality rules the airport in all its aspects is Akram al-Kaabi,” he added.
He explained, “In the past, the al-Nayrab Airport [a section in the Aleppo International Airport used for military purposes] was used for the transfer of militias that were being trained in Iraq and Iran.”
“Currently, there is a new development. Russian officers train officers of the government forces on drone operations at several airports, including the Aleppo Airport,” he noted.
Hence, the Aleppo International Airport has become “a military airport used for combat.” There are military barracks and air force facilities. The guards are recruited personnel from Syria that serve Iran’s interests. All of these forces are under the command of al-Kaabi.
As for the Damascus International Airport, “Everyone knows the Glass House at the airport [believed to be headquarters of Iran’s military operations in Syria]. Before 2011, there was a radar battalion and a missile battalion surrounding the airport in charge of its protection. These battalions are directly affiliated with the Air Defense Management in the Sayyida Zainab area, which is under the command of the Division 24,” al-Asaad said.
The expert explained “Both of the airports are targeted for military reasons, as planes carrying weapons land at Damascus Airport and even more so at Aleppo one.”
Under Russia’s control
Al-Asaad told North Press, “As for the airport in Latakia, it is under the control of the Russian forces. It is not helpful for Israel to engage with them.”
He added, “Khmeimim Air Base is monitored 24 hours a day by US aircrafts, which fly over and monitor the Syrian coast, the airport, and the forces. In addition, they know the number of the Russian forces in the entire area.”
“The airport does not pose a threat to Israel. It is well-known that the mission of the Russian forces in Khmeimim is to protect Bashar al-Assad’s regime, along with the military officers and leaders,” he noted.
In this regard, Syrian politician, Ayman Abdulnour told North Press, “It is obvious that the agreement established with Russia allows Israel to target sites that house weapons smuggled for Hezbollah, Iranian weapons, Iranian militias, or locations used for training or manufacturing weapons for Hezbollah.”
“That is the reason why it has not been detected that Khmeimim Air Base in Latakia received Iranian planes carrying weapons, or contained weapon manufacturing facilities, or Iranian militias,” he added.
Abdulnour explained, “It seems there is an agreement to keep one airport available, which is the Bassel al-Assad International Airport in Latakia. Whereas, the Aleppo and Damascus airports are always detected to have Iranian planes, loaded with either weapons, equipment, or militants, land there. Hence, the justification for targeting only both of the airports.”