Official announcements from involved countries or international organizations

Israel Captures Buffer Zone in Syria, Destroys 90% of Air Defenses

Dec 12, 2024, 05:25 PM

Israel has launched a significant military operation in Syria following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, capturing the buffer zone near the Golan Heights and conducting extensive airstrikes. The operation, named 'Flèche du Bashan,' has reportedly destroyed 90% of Syria's strategic air defenses, according to the IDF. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have targeted and destroyed a large portion of Syria's military infrastructure, including airfields, aircraft, air defense systems, missile storage facilities, and naval assets. This action was taken to prevent Syrian military equipment from falling into the hands of radical groups, as stated by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The IDF has also indicated that they are preparing for potential strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, citing the weakening of Iran's proxies and the fall of Assad's regime as strategic opportunities. Israel's military presence in the buffer zone is described as temporary, aimed at ensuring security until a new force can guarantee the safety of the region. The operation has drawn international attention, with the United Nations and several countries expressing concerns over the violation of previous ceasefire agreements.