Reports from international news agencies and military analysts

Israel Strikes Over 480 Syrian Targets, Destroys Naval Fleet Amid UN Criticism

Dec 12, 2024, 12:17 PM

Following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime, Israel has launched an extensive military operation in Syria, targeting military assets to prevent them from falling into the hands of extremist groups. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted over 480 strikes across Syria, focusing on strategic military facilities, naval bases, and weapons depots. These attacks have resulted in the destruction of most of Syria's major military assets, including the Syrian naval fleet in the ports of Al Bayda and Latakia, where numerous ships were destroyed. The IDF has also moved into the buffer zone on the Golan Heights, taking control of this area and adjacent strategic positions. The operation, known as 'Bashan Arrow', has significantly damaged Syria's air defense system, with over 90% of its surface-to-air missiles destroyed, achieving what the IDF describes as 'total air superiority' over Syria. This campaign has drawn criticism from UN experts for violating international law, with accusations of Israel acting without provocation against a sovereign state. The strikes have targeted strategic weapons, including chemical weapons, and have extended to Damascus, where military facilities and airfields were hit.